Stubborn PCB Refuses To Make Changes In Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad: Reports

No changes in Pakistan squad [Source: AP Photo]

The last date for making any changes in the Champions Trophy squad is February 11 and all the teams still have a day left to make one final decision. All eyes will be on Pakistan, the host nation as their Champions Trophy squad selection was criticised by fans and former cricketers.

With Saim Ayub ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury, it was expected that Pakistan will select an opener to compliment Fakhar Zaman. However, to everyone's surprise, the team picked up plethora of all-rounders and as a result, their team has only one designated opener.

With just a day left for the final squad submission, Qadir Khawaja, the Pakistan journalist has reported that the selectors are planning to keep the same squad, and there won't be any changes in the last minute.

Who will open for Pakistan?

Fakhar Zaman is the only opener left in the squad and the selectors have urged Babar Azam to take up the opening duties alongside the southpaw. The team doesn't have any other option left and the management decided to try out Babar, who, prior to the New Zealand ODI had only opened thrice in ODI cricket.

No second spinner in the squad

Abrar Ahmed is the only spinner in the team, with Salman Ali Agha being the part time option. It was expected that the team will include another spinner in place of an all-rounder, but as per reports, that plan has been rejected.

Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy

Mohammad Rizwan (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (VC), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi

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