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3 Unlucky Players Who Could Be Dropped From Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Jan 30 2025, 3:13 PM

Pakistan haven't finalised their Champions Trophy squad [Source: @Arain_417/X]Pakistan haven't finalised their Champions Trophy squad [Source: @Arain_417/X]

To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy is all set to kickstart next month. The top eight ODI teams- Australia, England, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh and Afghanistan- will battle it out for the coveted trophy in the tournament, which will be played between February 19 and March 9. 

While every participating nation has announced its provisional squad, Pakistan have yet to reveal their team for the marquee event. As the Champions Trophy draws near, here are three unlucky players who might not be picked for the tournament. 

1. Mohammad Wasim Jr

  • Mohammad Wasim Jr once used to be a regular face in Pakistan's white-ball setup. The right-arm pacer was impressive with the ball in ODIs, scalping 34 wickets in 20 matches at a healthy average of 25.17. 
  • Although Wasim Jr has decent numbers in ODI cricket, Mohammad Hasnain's comeback after a prolific performance in the National One-Day Cup might shut the door for his inclusion in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad. 
  • Although Hasnain hasn't had a great career, managing 17 wickets at an average of 40.2 and an abysmal economy of 6.11, he recently featured in the ODI series and will likely be preferred for the reserve pacer's role for the mega event. 

2. Usama Mir

  • Hailed for his ability to generate significant turn, Usama Mir led Pakistan's spin-bowling attack in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. In 12 ODIs, Mir has scalped 15 wickets, including a four-wicket haul. 
  • However, the rise of Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem might prompt Pakistan to stick to their performing duo for the spinners' slots. Although Mir is more experienced and recently oozed his class in the Big Bash League, Pakistan will likely prefer Muqeem and Abrar, who have played five ODIs collectively. 

3. Mohammad Nawaz

  • Pakistan's experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is a utility player, having showcased his mettle in white-ball cricket over the years. 
  • Besides scoring 406 runs at a strike rate of 88.6, the left-arm spinner has bagged 42 wickets in 37 appearances. However, as Agha Salman has cemented his place as Pakistan's first-choice spin-bowling all-rounder, it's highly unlikely that the Men in Green will recall Nawaz for the Champions Trophy.