3 In-Form Players Who Can Make Last-Minute Entry Into Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad

Pakistan players in action during ODI Tri-Series [Source: AP]

Recently, Pakistan announced a robust 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy as well as the Tri-Series on home soil. While Saim Ayub was ruled out due to an ankle injury, the return of Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf made fans raise their eyebrows. 

Although the PCB has confirmed Pakistan's squad for the Champions Trophy, there are high chances of several last-minute changes to it, with the Men in Green struggling with Haris Rauf's injury and the non-performance of a few players. So, as the deadline nears, here are three players who might get a recall to strengthen Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad. 

1. Mohammad Wasim Jr

(Mohammad Wasim Jr's stats in ODIs and BPL)

• Mohammad Wasim Jr has an impressive ODI record, scalping 34 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 25.18 and a strike rate of 28.29. The right-arm pacer showcased remarkable form in the ODI World Cup in India, following which he was surprisingly sidelined from the team. 
• Wasim Jr looked sharp with the ball for Chittagong Kings in the BPL this year, picking up nine wickets in six matches. Thus, if Haris Rauf is ruled out due to side strain, Pakistan might rope in Wasim Jr as his replacement. 

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2. Sufiyan Muqeem

(Sufiyan Muqeem's stats in international cricket since 2024)

• The Pakistan Cricket Board received massive backlash for including only one frontline spinner in the Champions Trophy squad. 
• So, if the PCB decides to add one more spinner to the squad, Sufiyan Muqeem could get a wildcard entry into the team, having impressed the think tank with a string of impactful performances. 
• The left-arm wrist spinner was clinical against South Africa and Zimbabwe and it won't be surprising if he plays a key role for the hosts on spin-friendly pitches in the Champions Trophy. 

3. Abbas Afridi

(Abbas Afridi's stats in International and List-A cricket)

• Abbas Afridi is a promising Pakistani pacer who has been a vital cog in their T20I setup. However, despite bowling several impressive spells in T20Is, the right-arm pacer hasn't featured in a single ODI. 
• Nevertheless, Afridi is regarded for his wily variations and can be a valuable option for Pakistan in the death overs. With Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi being ineffective in the slog overs, Pakistan might decide to rope in Abbas Afridi to their squad. 
• If the cricketer makes a surprise entry into Pakistan's Champions Trophy side, he might replace Faheem Ashraf, whose selection has drawn a lot of flak from the fans and experts. Abbas can be a like-for-like replacement for Faheem, as he can hit a long ball apart from bowling crucial spells in the middle and death overs. 

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