Mohammad Rizwan: “People may be surprised by his selection, but we make decisions based on the team’s needs. We needed a fast-bowling all-rounder, and Faheem was the best choice for us”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan limited overs captain Mohammad Rizwan doesn’t seem to care if people are surprised by all-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s selection for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
He noted that the men in green “needed a fast-bowling all-rounder” and that “Faheem was the best choice for us”.
The 31-year-old made his international comeback in the recent ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.
He was only selected for the final against New Zealand and scored 22 runs before going wicketless in the 2.2 overs he bowled.
“People may be surprised by his selection, but we make decisions based on the team’s needs. We needed a fast-bowling all-rounder, and Faheem was the best choice for us,” Rizwan was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Pakistan kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19 and were beaten by 60 runs.
Faheem was not included in the playing XI, while Rizwan scored three runs.
Pakistan’s next match will be against India on February 23 in Dubai.
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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