Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the selection process behind the Pakistan cricket team for the upcoming tri-series and Champions Trophy 2025.

 

This announcement was followed by heavy criticism of the selection committee. 

 

Highly reliable sources within the PCB have, however, dismissed claims of political influence, insisting that the selection was made solely by the selection committee.

 

"The team was selected entirely by the selection committee. The perception of political influence is incorrect," PCB sources stated.

 

According to reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had no involvement in the selection process at any stage. "The chairman does not interfere in team selection. The selectors, including Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, made the final call. While Captain Mohammad Rizwan was consulted, the selectors decided on the final squad. Mohsin Naqvi only approved their selection," the source clarified.

 

A key member of the selection committee strongly refuted allegations of favouritism. "We selected the best possible squad based on merit. The idea that political interference or personal preferences played a role is completely false," he said.

 

"Aamer Jamal's recent form worked against him, while the selectors considered Faheem Ashraf a better option. Quetta Gladiators had already picked him up in the PSL's platinum category before making it to the national team. Similarly, Khushdil Shah earned his place through consistent performances," the source added.

 

Regarding Shadab Khan's omission, the source claimed that he was dropped because of his “poor form,” adding that “Some former cricketers are fueling these false narratives of external influence to discredit the selection committee and the Pakistani system."

 

Sources also confirmed that national selectors will choose the final playing XI during the Champions Trophy and tri-series. "The head coach, Aaqib Javed, is also a selector, along with Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Aleem Dar, and Hasan Cheema. While Captain Mohammad Rizwan will be consulted, the final decision will rest with the selectors," the source revealed.

 

Defending the recent selection policies, sources highlighted the team's improved performance. "Since the selection policy was revised, the team has been delivering good results. Pakistan won two Test matches against England and one against the West Indies. Our ODI team has won a series in Australia and South Africa. This proves that the selectors' decisions are benefiting the team," sources said.

 

"If Mohammad Rizwan gets injured during either tournament, Usman is a better option than Haseebullah or Mohammad Haris," the source explained.

 

Lastly, PCB sources dismissed claims that any player was selected owing to political affiliations. "A player may have personal political associations, but the notion that selections were made based on political grounds is baseless," they concluded.

 

PCB announced 15 members of the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday. 

 

The squad included Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir,  Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Rizwan, Usman Khan,  Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Sheheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Muhammad Hasnain.