The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 has thrown Pakistan cricket into a selection conundrum following Saim Ayub’s ankle injury during the first Test against South Africa. With Ayub potentially sidelined for six weeks, the national selectors are carefully evaluating potential replacements, with Khushdil Shah emerging as a promising candidate. As per Samaa TV, Pakistan are looking at the explosive all-rounder as an alternative to Ayub, if the star opener doesn’t get fit before the tournament.
Power-Hitting solution in middle order
Khushdil Shah presents an intriguing option for the team, particularly given his explosive batting capabilities. Despite having played only 10 ODIs and scoring 199 runs, his impressive strike rate of 94.76 makes him an attractive prospect for the tournament. The selectors recognize the need for a power-hitter in the middle order, and Shah could potentially fill this critical role.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently weighing multiple options, including Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq, to replace Ayub. Fakhar Zaman is expected to retain his position as the first-choice opener, but the second spot remains uncertain. The final decision hinges on the medical assessment of Ayub’s ankle injury and the player’s fitness prospects.
With the Champions Trophy known for its flat pitches and high-scoring matches, finding the right replacement is crucial for Pakistan’s tournament strategy. Khushdil Shah’s potential inclusion could provide the team with the much-needed firepower and flexibility in their batting lineup, making him a player to watch in the coming weeks.
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