Former cricketer Basit Ali slammed Pakistan’s selectors ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to begin on February 19. Basit Ali stated that skipper Mohammad Rizwan seemed displeased with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s selection in the Pakistan squad for the tournament.
New Zealand outclassed Pakistan in the tri-series final at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday, February 14. The visiting team successfully chased a 243-run target with five wickets in hand and 28 balls to spare. Faheem Ashraf scored just 21 runs and conceded 16 runs in 2.2 overs without taking a wicket.
Mohammad Rizwan Was Not Happy With Faheem Ashraf’s Inclusion – Basit Ali
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali said that Mohammad Rizwan seemed unhappy with Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion in the team, as he bowled him for just two overs initially and only brought him back when the match was already out of Pakistan’s reach.
“Rizwan clearly showed he was not happy with Faheem Ashraf being included in the team. He didn’t give him the ball after just two overs and only used him again when the match was already lost,” Basit remarked.
Faheem Ashraf’s Selection for Pakistan’s Squad Came as a Surprise
Faheem Ashraf’s selection for Pakistan’s squad came as a surprise. Before the tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, the all-rounder played in white-ball cricket for Pakistan during the 2023 Asia Cup. He was not included in Pakistan’s recent away ODI series win against Australia and South Africa.
Faheem has had an inconsistent ODI career since making his debut in 2017. He has taken 26 wickets in 35 matches at an average of 46.31 and an economy rate of 5.18. With the bat, he has managed 246 runs at an average of 11.18. The all-rounder was not included in the playing XI for the group-stage matches.
Pakistan Set to Kick Off Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign on February 19
Pakistan suffered their second defeat in three matches of the tri-series, both against New Zealand. They will face the same opponent in their opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy on February 19 in Karachi.
The Men in Green will take on arch-rival India in a highly anticipated match before wrapping up their Group A campaign against Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
If Pakistan reach the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy, they will play their knockout match in Lahore on March 5 (second semi-final).
The Men in Green are the defending champions, having won the 2017 edition in England. They had a rough start, losing to India by 124 runs (DLS) in Edgbaston, but bounced back with victories over South Africa (19 runs, DLS) and Sri Lanka (3 wickets) to reach the knockout stage.
Pakistan outplayed England in the semi-final, winning by eight wickets in Cardiff. They went on to crush India in the final at The Oval. Pakistan posted a total of 338-4, with Fakhar Zaman’s 114. Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali then took three wickets each to bowl India out for 158, sealing a historic 180-run win.
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