Shaheen Afridi And...? Pakistan Likely To Drop These 3 Stars For Champions Trophy 2025

Shaheen Afridi likely to be dropped [Source: AP]

The ICC Champions Trophy is just around the corner! After an eight-year break, the tournament is set to make a grand comeback. Defending champions Pakistan will kick off the event by taking on New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. This mega tournament will feature eight top teams and a total of 15 matches.

However, with only 44 days left until the Champions Trophy begins, seven of the eight teams, including Pakistan, are yet to announce their squads. As rumours swirl, it seems Pakistan might take some bold decisions by leaving out three big names who haven't been at their best lately.

Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi, often referred to as "The Eagle," is one of Pakistan's biggest cricket stars. But things haven't been smooth between him and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Shaheen recently pulled out of the South Africa Test series, citing workload concerns. However, reports suggest that it wasn't just about workload; disciplinary issues might have played a part in his exclusion from the squad.

This situation has sparked debates in the cricket world. If the PCB is unhappy with his conduct, there is a possibility that Shaheen Afridi could be left out of the Champions Trophy squad. Considering his status as a key pacer, this would be a shocking move by Pakistan.

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Naseem Shah

Naseem Shah, another highly-rated bowler, has been going through a rough patch. His performances in recent series have been disappointing, leading to him being dropped from the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

In the first Test at Centurion, Naseem took just three wickets while conceding 92 runs in 22 overs. His economy rate of 4.2 was far from impressive. Meanwhile, his fellow pacer Mohammad Abbas shone with a six-wicket haul, further highlighting Naseem's struggles.

Naseem's form throughout 2024 has been inconsistent. He missed the England Test tour due to poor performances and continued to struggle against South Africa. Given his current form, the selectors might consider leaving him out of the Champions Trophy squad.

Abdullah Shafique

Abdullah Shafique, known for his elegant batting style, is also on the chopping block. His recent form has been disappointing, especially during the South Africa tour. In the ODI series, Abdullah recorded three consecutive ducks, showing a complete lack of confidence.

Earlier in the Zimbabwe tour, he managed only 83 runs in three innings. His Test performances have been equally poor this year, scoring just 174 runs at an average of 15.82. With his current form being a cause for concern, Pakistan might decide to drop him from the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

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