Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood is being considered for the Champions Trophy squad amid concerns over the availability of Saim Ayub, who is recovering from an ankle fracture.
Shan last played an ODI in May 2023 and his most recent T20 international appearance was in the 2022 World T20 Cup in Australia.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!"Shan's name is under consideration as he has got back among the runs in Test cricket and his record in 50-overs cricket in county and domestic cricket is very impressive," a source close to the selectors told PTI.
The selectors are awaiting a final decision on Saim's availability, which will be determined by the PCB's medical panel based on his recovery progress in London. A clear picture is expected later this month.
"We have been told that the PCB's medical panel will have final say on whether Saim will play in the Champions Trophy based on how his recovery continues in London. A clear picture will be available later this month," the source said.
If Saim is unavailable, Imam ul Haq and young Haseebullah Khan are also in contention for the opener's slot, along with Shan. Haseebullah's wicketkeeping skills could be an advantage, but his lack of international ODI experience could be a gamble in a major ICC event.
The selectors have not yet announced Pakistan's final Champions Trophy squad of 15, as the ICC deadline for participating nations to submit their squads is February 12th. Additionally, the selectors are waiting on updates regarding Saim Ayub's recovery process.
The source indicated that there should be no surprises in the Pakistan squad, as most players who have recently appeared in ODIs in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are expected to be automatic selections.
"Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem are certainly the two spinners in the squad while Haris Rauf, Shaheen, Naseem and Muhammad Hasnain or Aamer Jamal would be the pacers."
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