Salman Ali Agha: “We are hopeful that Khushdil Shah will step up and perform in his place as an all-rounder, filling the gap left by Saim”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan white-ball vice-captain Salman Ali Agha wants to see all-rounder Khushdil Shah step up during the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Salman noted that the 30-year-old will be expected to fill the gap left by opening batsman Saim Ayub, who was ruled out of the tournament with a fractured ankle.
Khushdil made his international return in the ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, but failed to have much of an impact as he scored 22 runs in three matches at an average of 11.
He also took one wicket at an average of 127.
Having been given a chance to resurrect his international career, Salman hopes Khushdil performs a lot better in the Champions Trophy.
“We are hopeful that Khushdil Shah will step up and perform in his place as an all-rounder, filling the gap left by Saim,” he was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
The Champions Trophy will take place 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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