Aaqib Javed: “Criticism regarding Faheem Ashraf’s selection is their opinion, and we respect that. However, we believe in his potential and contribution to the team”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed said people can criticise the selection of Faheem Ashraf all they want, but made it clear that he sees great potential in the all-rounder.
Many former players have questioned why Faheem was picked for the 2025 Champions Trophy when he hasn’t played for Pakistan since December 2023.
Aaqib defended the decision, insisting that the 31-year-old will provide valuable contributions to the team during the tournament.
“Criticism regarding Faheem Ashraf’s selection is their opinion, and we respect that. However, we believe in his potential and contribution to the team,” he was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Faheem recently featured in the Champions T20 Cup, where he accumulated 127 runs in seven matches for the Dolphins at an average of 18.14 and a strike-rate of 125.74.
He also picked up six wickets at an average of 27.16 and an economy rate of 7.76.
The Kasur native then played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and made 102 runs in 11 games for Fortune Barishal, which included a top score of 54 not out, at an average of 34 and a strike-rate of 231.81.
He excelled with the ball in the competition, finishing as the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets at an average of 13.90 and an economy rate of 7.12.
Pakistan are currently involved in an ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.
Once the tri-series concludes, the men in green will take part in the Champions Trophy, which will be held from February 19 to March 9.
Pakistan Squad for 2025 Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
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