Younis Khan Regrets Over Saim Ayub’s Injury!! Analyzes Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Squad

The former Pakistan Test captain and stable batter, Younis Khan, has displayed his full confidence and faith in his side’s performance in the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. The eight-team tournament will open on February 19 between the home side and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Pakistan will start their preparation for the eight-team tournament with a tri-series against the Kiwis and South Africa. Their biggest game of the event will be against India at the Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Younis Khan examined the Pakistan Champions Trophy squad

The former middle-order batter of Pakistan has emphasized the importance of full support for the selected squad. He stated that it would be unnecessary for the others to criticize the 15 members, which would put more pressure on the players.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Lauded By LSG Mentor After Impressive Match-Winning Knock vs England

“The team selected for the Champions Trophy consists of the best available players, and the key to good performance is mental fitness. The players have the talent to make it to the top four teams of the Champions Trophy.” The 47-year-old expressed this during a recent interaction with the media.

Fakhar Zaman, whose last international game for the green brigade was against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata during the 2023 ODI World Cup, has returned to the national squad. He missed the last three ODI trips for the Mohammad Rizwan-led side in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

“Zaman could play a pivotal role in leading Pakistan to victory with a memorable innings, as he has done in the past,” Khan added.

“The team selected for the Champions Trophy is fairly well-balanced. We have experienced and top-quality batsmen like Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan. On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah will be essential fast bowlers for Pakistan.” Younis Khan reckoned.

Younis Khan is upset at Saim Ayub’s injury.

The Mardan-born expressed his disappointment at Saim Ayub’s injury that ruled him out of the Champions Trophy. The southpaw picked up the injury during the second New Year’s Test at the Newlands in Cape Town against the Proteas.

“It’s unfortunate that Saim Ayub, a young and talented player, won’t be part of the team due to injury. Pakistan won’t be able to benefit from his skills in this mega event.” Younis regretted.

The veteran also touched on the challenges a team faces during the team selection for big events like the World Cup or the Champions Trophy. He stated that the players are selected based on their performance and once the board takes the decision, it’s up to others to show their belief.

“Before the World Cup, there were too many changes due to excessive criticism. Now, there should be less focus on making changes to the team. Instead, we should work on bringing in new talent at the grassroots level, and give them opportunities in schools, colleges, and clubs." Younis Khan addressed.

Younis Khan thanks PCB for this reason

The long-servant of Pakistan cricket thanked the board for naming an enclosure at the National Stadium in his honor. He is, after all, the second leading run-getter for the country with 17790 runs in 491 innings at an average of nearly 40.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Were ‘Non-Negotiables’: PBKS Coach

“I am thankful to Allah for allowing me to serve Pakistan. We, as players, did not do any favors to the country; we just served it with pride. My records and those of other players are on Google, and no one can erase them.” Younis Khan elaborated.

He joked in offering his services to strengthen their batting line-up and urged that everyone should support the side without pressure to bring the new talent forward.