The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the squad for the Champions Trophy and a upcoming tri-nation series soon. Reports suggest that three key players might be left out of the team.

 

According to reports, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, and Usman Khan are also unlikely to be part of the final squad. The squad selected for the tri-series will also represent Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.

 

The national selection committee is awaiting the medical reports of opener Saim Ayub, currently undergoing treatment in London, to announce the squad, but sources say that there is a strong possibility that Saim will not be able to play in the Champions Trophy.

 

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan. Defending champions Pakistan will play their opening match on the same day at Karachi's National Stadium.

 

Before this major event, Pakistan will also participate in a tri-nation ODI series with New Zealand and South Africa, starting on February 8. The tournament will be played in a single-league format.

 

Unlike other teams, PCB has not yet announced its 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy. 

The selection committee had already prepared a 15-member squad list last week for both the Champions Trophy and the tri-series. This squad will be presented to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for final approval. Once approved, the squad will be officially announced.

 

Earlier, PCB had submitted a list of 20 players to the ICC, which included Saim Ayub's name. However, only 15 players will be selected for the final squad.

 

Possible 15-Member Squad

The final squad is expected to be chosen from these players:

 

Mohammad Rizwan (Captain)
Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain)
Babar Azam
Tayyab Tahir
Irfan Khan Niazi
Sufiyan Muqeem
Mohammad Hasnain
Abdullah Shafique
Naseem Shah
Usman Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Abrar Ahmed
Kamran Ghulam
Imam-ul-Haq
Fakhar Zaman
Haseebullah
Abbas Afridi

 

As per ICC regulations, all teams must announce their final squad by midnight on February 11. After this deadline, any changes in the squad will require approval from the ICC Technical Committee.

PCB has until February 11 to finalize the squad. Any modifications after this date will need special permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC).