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‘Seems like a political selection’ – Rashid Latif slams Faheem Ashraf’s selection in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad

Rashid Latif slams the Pakistan cricket board for their selection of Faheem Ashraf for the Champions Trophy tournament and calls it a 'political selection.'

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Rashid Latif calls Faheem Ashraf' selection for Champions Trophy as 'Political Selection'

Faheem Ashraf and Rashid Latif Photograph: (X)

Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has hit out at the selection committee over all-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s selection. The 31-year-old has been playing in the Bangladesh Premier League for Fortune Barishal and has been in good form with the ball. Ashraf picked 5/7 in the game against Sylhet Strikers. 

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Times of India quoted Latif as saying “It seems a political selection. Faheem has no recent performance to warrant a selection, and his record isn't impressive. This squad includes players like Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, and Saud Shakeel, who were not part of the system on the last three tours. Now, it is up to captain Mohammad Rizwan to select the best XI, just as Imran Khan did in 1992 and Younis Khan in 2009.”

Saim Ayub has missed out on selection due to an injury suffered during the Test match in South Africa. Fakhar Zaman who scored a century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final is back in the team and will be opening the batting for his side. Rashid Latif said that Babar Azam will be a good option to open the batting. 

“I think Babar will be useful as an opener, but the main issue is who will take wickets in the 11-20 and 31-40 over phases. That has been Pakistan’s weakness, as we suffered in the 2023 World Cup in those areas," said Rashid Latif

Wasim Akram reveals surprise over Faheem Ashraf’s selection

Yet another Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram has revealed complete surprise over Faheem Ashraf’s call-up to the side. During his chat with the media, Akram said “Faheem Ashraf was picked, talented cricketer, I wish him best. Lekin pehle 20 matches mein unkind bowling average sau ki, batting average nau ki hai,”

Wasim Akram also said “We have picked only 1 proper spinner, while India increased their number from 3 to 4. But I’m sure Pakistan selectors considered everything to make the call,”

Pakistan’s squad for Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Champions Trophy 2025
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