‘King kar lega’: Mohammad Rizwan on who will open for Pakan in Champions Trophy | Cricket News

Pakan captain Mohammed Rizwan reveals who will open for Pakan in the upcoming Champions Trophy. In the absence of injured Saim Ayub, Pakan has slotted its premier batter Babar Azam as one of the opening options with recalled Fakhar Zaman in both the tri-series and the Champions Trophy.
One of the world’s most prolific ODI batters in his usual No. 3 spot, Babar has played just two games as an opener in his glittering one-day international career. Ayub was ruled out of the Champions Trophy after fracturing his right ankle during a test match against South Africa last month.
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“Look, we all know how well Saim Ayub performed recently. It was exceptional, considering the conditions and oppositions he flared against,” said Rizwan.
Pakan’s Saim Ayub in action during the second ODI cricket match between Zimbabwe and Pakan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Wonder Mashura)
“Anyway, his void is in the team because he is such a package for Pakan who can be fit anywhere be it his bowling, fielding or batting.
“You can also that our planning got durbed but we should not be focusing on the names but on the process.
“So, his void is there but the process remained the same for us and it will not be an excuse for us.”Story continues below this ad
Rizwan also cleared air on the selection of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf ahead of Aamir Jamal.
“If you talk about Faheem Ashraf, his performance over the last two years has been good. His L-A average is around 46,” said Rizwan.
“Look, sometimes people think about how a certain player is making his comeback after a few years, but we make decisions considering the team requirements.”
“We needed a fast-bowling all-rounder while Aamir Jamal was also a consideration but he [Faheem] was the best choice for us,” explained Rizwan.Story continues below this ad
“As for Khushdil Shah, he is in exceptional form, if you have watched BPL and Champions Cup. His performance is in front of everyone and I think, it should not be questioned.”
Pakan squad for tri-nation series, Champions Trophy 2025
Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Usman Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.