The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to announce Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions trophy , making it the only team yet to reveal its lineup. India announced their squad on January 18, but Pakistan continues to delay its decision. This delay is likely due to concern surrounding the fitness of Saim Ayub, who sustained an ankle injury during the tour of South Africa.
The deadline for submitting provisional squads was January 12, but the PCB decided to postpone their announcement. With the final call Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions trophy set to February 13. The PCB still has some time to finalize their team. The exact reason for the delay remains unknown, but many believe Saim Ayub’s injury status is causing the hesitation in naming the squad.
Ayub, a key player for Pakistan, injured his ankle during the South Africa series and is currently undergoing rehabilitation in London. While his chances of recovering in time for the tournament are slim. The PCB appears to be encouraging waiting until the last possible moment to decide. Ayub’s inclusion could significantly boost Pakistan’s performance, as he played a key role in their series win in South Africa
Saim Ayub has quickly established himself as a vital member of the Pakistani team. His consistent performances at the top order have provided stability and aggression in limited overs formats. During the series in South Africa, Ayub’s contributions were crucial to Pakistan’s success, displaying his ability to perform under pressure against strong opponents. Losing Ayub would leave a gap in the batting lineup, as his mixture of ability and maturity is hard to replace.
While the exact squad is yet to be announced. It is expected to remain largely unchanged from the team that played in Australia and South Africa. Most players who participated in those tours are likely to feature in the Champions Trophy lineup.
The PCB faces a critical decision as they balance Ayub’s fitness concerns with the need to finalize the Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions trophy. As the deadline for the final announcement approaches, fans impatiently await news of Ayub’s recovery and the team’s composition. His potential inclusion could significantly boost Pakistan’s chances to perform more in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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