Wasim Akram denies allegations, slams fake news about Naqvi's leadership

Former Pakistani left-arm pacer Wasim Akram has denied the allegations regarding his criticism of the selection committee and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

In response to these claims, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Fake news regarding Mr Naqvi. Stop lying. Enough is enough, and please don't believe these muppets."

Earlier, there were reports that Wasim Akram had expressed surprise at the inclusion of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf in the ICC Champions Trophy squad.

However, many other cricketers, including Ahmed Shehzad, Tanveer Ahmed, Sikandar Bakhat, and Kamran Akmal, raised concerns over the squad for the Champions Trophy.

Ahmed Shehzad wrote, "Fakhar's return is happening, but we still don't know who will open with him." He also questioned, "Where will Saud Shakeel fit into the playing eleven? The team selection shows how unprofessional the system has become."

Shehzad criticised the inclusion of Usman Khan and Faheem Ashraf in the squad, stating, "Their selection was based on their performances in the recent T20 tournament in Bangladesh rather than their ODI form. This was Pakistan's preparation for a major ICC tournament that they are hosting."

Former cricketers Tanveer Ahmed, Kamran Akmal, and Basit Ali also raised questions about the inclusion of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah.

Kamran Akmal said, "Some players were selected despite their inconsistent performances, even though they had not been consistently performing well."

Tanveer Ahmed sarcastically remarked, "The return of Faheem Ashraf was like bringing back Ben Stokes." He added, "The exclusion of Aamer Jamal and the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf in the team didn't make sense."

Sikander Bakht advised Mohsin Naqvi, suggesting, "You can save one billion rupees by closing down first-class cricket. Players should be sent to play in leagues, and those who perform well there should be selected for the national team. This can save the cricket board a lot of money because, according to him, I've never seen selectors as incompetent as this."

Pakistan's all-rounder, Faheem Ashraf, last played an ODI against India on September 11, 2023, in the Asia Cup, in which Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat. Meanwhile, middle-order batter Khushdil Shah last played on October 7, 2023, and since then, he has failed to secure a spot in the team.

Usman Khan, who has not played any ODI matches for Pakistan, has been included in the squad.

The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.

The PCB has until February 11 to make changes to the squad. After that, changes will only be allowed on medical grounds, with the approval of the ICC event technical committee.