According to the sources, the PCB Chairman has no role in the process of choosing the team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The selection of Pakistan’s 15-man squad for the forthcoming Tri-Nation series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has drawn harsh criticism. However, allegations of political influence on the team’s selection have been flatly denied by sources inside the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). These sources claim that no outside political pressures interfered with the selection committee’s decision-making process.
Despite seeking captain Mohammad Rizwan’s opinion, the selectors made the final decision on the team, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi only approving the final squad selected by the selectors. The sources clarified that the PCB Chairman does not interfere in the team selection process. The selectors independently decided to include Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the squad.
The squad was chosen on the basis of merit, according to a prominent member of the selection committee, and any allegations of political meddling or personal prejudice are completely baseless. The source claims that Faheem Ashraf was deemed a superior choice, and that Aamer Jamal’s recent form had a role in his rejection. Ashraf was chosen by Quetta Gladiators in the Platinum category prior to being picked for the Pakistani squad. Khushdil Shah’s steady play won him a spot in the squad. Shadab Khan, meanwhile, was dropped because of his subpar play.
The sources further emphasized that some former cricket players are unfairly criticizing the selection committee and the Pakistani cricket system as a whole for alleged political bias and influence in squad selection.
The playing XI for the ICC Champions Trophy and Tri-Nation series will be selected by the national selectors, according to sources. Selectors Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Aleem Dar, and Hasan Cheema will collaborate with head coach and selector Aqib Javed. The selectors will have the last say, even though Mohammad Rizwan’s opinion will be asked.
The sources also pointed out that Pakistan’s cricket team has been performing better since the selection policy change, winning two Test matches against England and one against the West Indies, and winning series against Australia and South Africa with the One Day International team. These results show that the selections made by the selectors are guiding the team in the right direction.
Lastly, the sources said that although any player may have political ties, it is unfounded and unjustified to say that players are chosen based on them. Another important point they brought up was the addition of Usman Khan as a backup wicketkeeper, since Usman Khan is a more dependable option than Haseebullah and Mohammad Haris in the event.
