Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes that opener Saim Ayub is the main reason behind the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) delay in squad announcement for Champions Trophy 2025 which is scheduled to start from February 19. Saim Ayub recently got an injury during the Pakistan vs South Africa Test match 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.
Among eight participating nations, Pakistan are the only team who is yet to announce their 15-member squad for the marquee event.
"Pakistan kya darr gaya jo abhi tak team announce nahi ki? Nahi dara nahi hai. Samajh nahi aa rahi hai -- karein to kya karein? (Is Pakistan scared to announce their squad? No it isn't, just unsure what to do and what not)," said Basit in a video on his YouTube channel.
"The biggest issue is Saim Ayub, whether he can return fit or not. It's still not clear."
Basit also believes that Pakistan are unsure about the make-up of their middle order and they only rely on their top four to fire and desperately want Ayub to regain fitness. The prolific 22-year-old youngster has a batting average of 64.37 in ODIs, having scored 515 runs in 9 matches, including 3 hundred and 1 fifty.
"I hope I am wrong, but Pakistan's problem is their middle-order because they have to face 140kmph fast bowlers, barring against India who have spin all-rounders," said Basit. Right now, Pakistan's No. 5, 6 and 7 appear dodgy. That's why I am in favour of Saud Shakeel. People are talking about Khushdil Shah. But do you want a T20 player in the Champions Trophy squad?"
Pakistan are part of Group A alongside India, Bangladesh and New Zealand and they will start their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 and the high voltage clash between India and Pakistan will take place on February 23 in Dubai.