Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has voiced concerns over the selection of certain players in the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but refrained from naming them.
Speaking to the media at a ceremony in Lahore, Afridi acknowledged his reservations about some selections but emphasized the need to support the team. "I have objections to some players in the squad, but I won’t name them. We must stand behind our team," he stated.
Afridi stressed that Pakistan must improve its performance in fielding, batting, and bowling to compete effectively, as teams from around the world have prepared rigorously for the tournament.
He also urged unity and encouraged fans to back the selected squad, adding, "There should be no more debate about Saim Ayub’s exclusion. We need to support the players who are in the squad."
He also reiterated that India should visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, as teams from other countries have already arrived. However, he suggested that rather than focusing on India’s participation, Pakistan should concentrate on winning wherever they play.
Afridi is not the only former cricketer raising concerns about the squad. Ex-wicketkeeper and captain Rashid Latif also criticized the selection, stating in a TV interview that "six or seven players in the squad do not belong in the team."
Meanwhile, Fawad Alam specifically objected to Khushdil Shah’s inclusion, arguing that he did not merit a place in the squad.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the tournament, which includes Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha among the batters. The all-rounders are Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, while Muhammad Rizwan (captain) and Usman Khan are the wicketkeeper-batsmen.
The bowling lineup features spinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.