Ahmed Shehzad backs two players for Pakistan’s CT 2025 squad
Opening batter Ahmed Shehzad backed two key players for Pakistan’s squad ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, while expressing his pride in the team’s recent historic 3-0 ODI series win over South Africa.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Shehzad congratulated the Pakistan team for their dominant performance calling it a much-needed boost before the upcoming Champions Trophy.
“Congratulations to the Pakistan team! After a long time, we finally got to hear that Pakistan outclassed a big and strong team, South Africa’s formidable side, which is a big boost before the Champions Trophy. Outstanding performance,” said Shehzad.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s progress, Shehzad expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make an impact in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
He also highlighted the strong performances of several players.
“Things are looking very positive before the Champions Trophy. Pakistan’s spin attack is doing well; Abrar is in, Kamran Ghulam is in, Salman Ali Agha is in the lower middle order, Tayyab Tahir has given a great performance, Sufiyan is performing well, Babar and Rizwan are among the runs, and Saim Ayub is in sensational form,” he noted.
However, the 33-year-old cast doubt on Pakistan’s opening pair, criticizing Abdullah Shafique for his recent lack of form.
He expressed concern over Shafique’s continued struggles with the bat, specifically his recurring ducks in recent series.
“Some things need to be sorted out. I still believe that the opener issue is very important moving forward into the Champions Trophy. Abdullah Shafique’s love affair with ducks continues, just like he scored four consecutive ducks in T20Is. Similarly, he has set another unwanted record by scoring his third consecutive duck, which is quite embarrassing,” he said.
“Many senior and former players are saying that there is a lot of special talent, but this special talent has yet to deliver performance for Pakistan, and we don’t see it happening,” he added.
The right-handed batter called for the return of Fakhar Zaman to the ODI squad, stating that Pakistan currently lacks a reliable opening batsman.
He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to set aside past issues and bring Zaman back into the fold.
“Now is the right time for the PCB to set aside ego issues and bring Fakhar Zaman back, as he has served his punishment. I think it’s done. Now, before the Champions Trophy, the country needs to think about what’s best. Other matters can be dealt with later. The Champions Trophy is just around the corner, and it’s time to take things seriously and bring Fakhar Zaman into the team before the tournament,” he said.
Shehzad also advocated for the inclusion of all-rounder Aamir Jamal, recognising his importance in completing the team’s balance.
However, he raised concerns about Jamal’s fitness, noting that his recent performances did not meet expectations.
“We still have one missing all-rounder, in the form of Aamir Jamal. Pakistan’s missing piece can be completed with him, but for that, it’s essential for Aamir to be fit. Is he fit?” he questioned.
“In the last series, the way he played, we saw that he didn’t bowl with the potential we expected from him. This is the missing link. Otherwise, Pakistan is on the right track,” he concluded.
