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Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy Under Final Consideration, Fitness of Opener Saeem Ayub in Doubt

Islamabad:The finalization of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy is still under consultation, with the fitness of opener Saeem Ayub remaining a major concern.

According to sources, before the Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, Pakistan’s team will also participate in a tri-nation series at home against South Africa and New Zealand. The performance and fitness of Saeem Ayub are still uncertain, which has delayed a final decision regarding his inclusion. If a decision on Ayub is made, the squad for the tri-nation series will likely also be the one selected for the Champions Trophy.

In case of Ayub’s unavailability due to fitness issues, selectors have already identified a backup option. Sources revealed that the 15-player squad for the Champions Trophy will most likely feature Fakhar Zaman, while Imam-ul-Haq and Hasibullah’s names are also being considered. However, Abdullah Shafiq and Usman Khan are likely to be dropped.

According to the sources, the final squad will include Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufyan Maqeem.

It is noteworthy that all other teams, except Pakistan, have already announced their squads for the Champions Trophy. Pakistan has only submitted the provisional squad to the ICC so far. The final squad must be announced by February 11, with the first match of the tri-nation series scheduled for February 8.

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