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Khushdil Shah Likely To Replace Saim Ayub In Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad

Anurag Dasgupta∙ Updated: Jan 23 2025, 2:28 PM

Star All-rounder to replace Saim Ayub? [Source: @cricfan2/x.com]
Star All-rounder to replace Saim Ayub? [Source: @cricfan2/x.com]

Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 squad is yet to be announced, but there are already rumours circulating regarding the potential inclusions in the squad. One such name is Khushdil Shah, who is likely to replace injured Saim Ayub in the Champions Trophy team. As per Samaa TV, Pakistan are looking at the explosive all-rounder as an alternative to Ayub, if the star opener doesn't get fit before the tournament.

Ayub twisted his ankle during the 1st Test Vs South Africa and was immediately taken to the hospital for further scans. As per reports, he was scheduled to be out for 6 weeks, but a final decision is yet to be made on his inclusion as Pakistan are still eager to include the opener in their Champions Trophy team.

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Khushdil set to be included?

As per Samaa TV, the selectors are pondering on including the power-packed player in their team. Pakistan lack firepower in the middle-order and Khushdil Shah could be the solution to their power-hitting woes, especially given the fact that pitches in Champions Trophy will be relatively flat.

In 10 ODIs, he has racked up 199 runs, but has a good strike-rate of 94.76. If given a proper role, Khushdil can turn out to be Pakistan's X-factor in the mega event.

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Other potential Saim Ayub replacements

Apart from Khushdil, Pakistan are also tinkering on including Shan Masood as Ayub's replacement. Fakhar Zaman is likely to be there as the first-choice opener, and alongside him, Pakistan are yet to find an able partner.

Imam-ul-Haq is also under consideration, but PCB is yet to take a final call as they are awaiting the final report on Saim Ayub's ankle injury.