Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali suggested PCB to add Test captain Shan Masood's name for the opening slot if Saim Ayub is ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 which is scheduled to start from February 19.
Hosts Pakistan are the only team among eight teams that is yet to announce their 15-member squad for the mega event. The wait around the announcement probably comes down to Ayub's availability for the tournament.
Left-handed opener Saim Ayub was recently injured during Pakistan's Test match against South Africa. He twisted his ankle while chasing the ball alongside teammate Aamer Jamal. He lost his balance and injured his ankle. Ayub then travelled to London for advanced treatment of his ankle fracture.
In case Ayub fails to win the race against time, Basit rooted for Masood to open alongside Fakhar instead of out-of-form Abdullah Shafique.
"If Saim comes back, then he and Fakhar are the best opening pair. If Saim is unavailable, then Shan Masood can open. After the opening pair, Babar and Rizwan will come. Pakistan team will depend on these four," Basit said on his YouTube channel.
Masood's last ODI outing was in May 2023 against New Zealand in Karachi. He played nine ODIs where he scored 163 runs at a mere average of 18.11.
Basit also believes that Pakistan needs a spin-bowling all-rounder where he suggested Shadab Khan
"Shadab Khan is required at this time. Pakistan needs a spin all-rounder," Basit remarked.
Pakistan will play the tournament's opener against New Zealand on February 19 which will take place at National Stadium in Karachi.