Usman Khan to be Pakistan's X factor [Source: @MultanSultans/X.Com]
The Champions Trophy is less than a month away and all the teams have announced their squads, barring Pakistan cricket team. The Men in Green and the hosts of the tournament are yet to reveal their team as fans are eagerly waiting for the selectors to announce their 15-member squad.
The core of the team is already decided with the likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan forming the core team. However, apart from the core players, Pakistan are also preparing X-factors for the mega event and one of them is preparing in Lahore at the moment.
Pakistan to unleash Usman Khan?
PCB recalled Usman Khan from Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and reportedly will be included in the Champions Trophy squad of Pakistan. He will join the Pakistan Strike-Force camp and will train under Abdul Razzaq as he prepares for big hitting.
Pakistan don't have a hard-hitter in their batting lineup and Usman Khan is likely to bat at number 3 if Saim Ayub gets ruled out of the tournament. He could be their X-factor for the upcoming mega event.
Fakhar likely to be back, no Saim Ayub?
Pakistan have been jolted with the injury of Saim Ayub, their star opener. The youngster suffered from an ankle injury during the Test tour of South Africa and PCB are not taking any risk as they know the value Saim Ayub provides on the table.
As a result, they are likely to recall Fakhar Zaman back in the ODI team. The opener had a beef with PCB as he supported Babar Azam, however, the team needs an explosive opener and there is nobody better than Fakhar to take advantage of the power-play.