Champions Trophy: Rift in Pakistan Team? Mohammad Rizwan Reportedly Unhappy with Faheem Ashraf’s Selection

Ex-cricketer Basit Ali claims that the Pakistan skipper isn’t convinced about Ashraf’s place in the Champions Trophy squad.

February 17, 2025: As Pakistan gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy, reports of internal discord within the team have surfaced. Former cricketer Basit Ali has claimed that skipper Mohammad Rizwan is unhappy with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s selection for the marquee tournament.

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Rizwan’s Lack of Faith in Faheem Ashraf?

In a recent statement on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali suggested that Rizwan’s team decisions indicate his discontent with Ashraf’s inclusion.

“Rizwan clearly showed he was not happy with Faheem Ashraf being included in the team. He didn’t give him the ball after just two overs and only used him again when the match was already lost,” Basit said.

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Ashraf, who featured in the tri-series ODI final, failed to impress, scoring 21 runs and conceding 16 runs in just 2.2 overs. Rizwan’s reluctance to utilize him effectively in the match suggests he lacks confidence in Ashraf’s abilities.

Faheem Ashraf’s Underwhelming ODI Record

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Looking at his ODI statistics, Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion in the Pakistan Champions Trophy squad does raise questions:
📉 Wickets: 26 in 35 matches
📉 Bowling Average: 46.31
📉 Economy Rate: 5.18
📉 Batting Average: 11.18 (246 runs in ODIs)

These underwhelming figures further support the notion that Ashraf may not be ready for a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy.

Selection Controversies & Power Shifts in Pakistan Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has undergone major changes in the past few months, from the coaching staff to the selection committee. While players are adapting to the new team dynamics, the skipper’s dissatisfaction with certain selections could create further tension.

With Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand on February 19, the team must resolve any internal conflicts quickly to ensure their focus remains on the tournament.

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