Sufiyan Muqeem To Be Included In Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad- Report

Sufiyan Muqeem, the left-arm wrist spinner is likely to be added to the Pakistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This comes after the Pakistan selection committee faced criticism after the announcement of the 15-member squad that had only one proper spinner in Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan has announced a lineup that includes both new and returning players. The squad is a mix of youth and experience, but several exclusions have prompted concerns. Before the ICC event, Mohammad Rizwan will lead the squad in a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.

Sufiyan Muqeem's absence is a major worry

Sufiyan Muqeem's absence from Pakistan's Champions Trophy roster has caused discussion, particularly given his strong performance in his sole one-day international, a four-wicket haul against South Africa. His abilities could be useful on flat and batter-friendly fields at the ICC tournaments in Pakistan and Dubai.

Sufiyan Muqeem to replace Tayyab Tahir in Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad

However, the selectors have chosen a pace-heavy side for the tri-series and Champions Trophy. Given Abrar Ahmed's lack of international experience, the decision to go with only one quality spinner seems brave. Abrar has only four ODI appearances, and Salman Ali Agha can give a part-time spin.

The pace quartet of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, and Haris Rauf are believed to be essential to Pakistan's Champions Trophy triumph. This pace-heavy tactic has already resulted in three consecutive international series triumphs for Pakistan.

According to ARY News, Sufiyan Muqeem is slated to replace Tayyab Tahir on Pakistan's ICC team.

The selectors can make changes to the 15-member squad, with the ICC imposing a February 11 deadline for revisions without providing explanations. After that date, only adjustments can be made due to injury, and they must be approved by the technical committee.

Aaqib Javed defends the inclusion of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the Pakistan squad

Interim head coach and chief selector Aaqib Javed has justified the selection of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah. He ruled off making roster changes before the tournament, stating that changes should not be based just on two matches.

Javed said: “It’s not right to make changes based on the performances of two matches and therefore it will most likely be the same team for the Champions Trophy."

"And when you look into it specifically that you have three pool matches against New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh, you need top seven batters with four bowling options, including two all-rounders,” he said. “Both Faheem and Khushdil are better choices to play in the sub-continent conditions as compared to Australia or South Africa.”

Also Read: Nitin Menon, Javagal Srinath Snubbed As Match Officials For ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Announced