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Shan Masood Likely To Replace Injured Saim Ayub In Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad

Anurag Dasgupta∙ Updated: Jan 22 2025, 1:48 PM

Shan Masood to replace Ayub? [Source: @DSBcricket/X.Com]
Shan Masood to replace Ayub? [Source: @DSBcricket/X.Com]

In the latest development, Pakistan are considering including their Test captain, Shan Masood in the Champion s trophy squad in place of injured Saim Ayub. The young Pakistan opener is currently sidelined with an ankle injury he suffered during the Test match Vs South Africa, and will likely miss the mega event as he is yet to recover from the injury sustained.

The Pakistan team is the only side yet to announce their Champions Trophy squad and Saim's injury status is one of the main reasons for it. Their cricket board is in direct contact with the doctors in London and are awaiting a final confirmation on his recovery timeline.

Shan Masood to replace Ayub?

As per Geo News, the selectors are pondering on including Shan Masood in the team as the opener, however, his selection depends upon his performance in the second Test Vs West Indies. As per reports, Masood, alongside Imam-ul-Haq are in contention for the opening slot.

Moreover, Abdullah Shafique's poor run of form in white-ball cricket has helped Masood's cause as the opener looks to cement his place in the Champions Trophy.

Masood has only played 9 ODIs in his career, and has scored only 163 runs, at an average of just 18. The numbers aren't promising, but Pakistan are looking for someone who can provide solidity at the top, and Masood is the perfect candidate for it.

Pakistan's tentative squad revealed

As per Cricket Pakistan, the selectors have finalized the tentative squad for the Champions Trophy. Fakhar Zaman makes his return, while Imam-ul-Haq is the second opener. The core of the team remains the same with Babar Azam, skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi all included in the team.

Majority of the players who took part in the ODIs Vs South Africa will be drafted in the Champions Trophy squad, with the only uncertainty being Saim Ayub who battles ankle injury.