Critics question Faheem Ashraf\u2019s form and the decision behind his selection for Pakistan\u2019s squad.
\n islamabad
\nFaheem Ashraf\u2019s selection in Pakistan\u2019s 15-member squad for the ICC Men\u2019s Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked significant debate among fans and cricket experts. His return to the national ODI team has led to a flurry of reactions on social media, with many questioning his recent form and the criteria used for his selection.
\nThe all-rounder\u2019s last ODI appearance was in September 2023 during the ACC Men\u2019s Asia Cup, where he played against arch-rivals India. His inclusion comes after a period of consistent domestic performances, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
\nThe board praised his efforts in domestic cricket, stating that Faheem had been one of the most consistent performers across all formats since his last ODI appearance.
\n\u201cFaheem\u2019s 34th and final ODI appearance was in September 2023, and since then, he has been one of the most consistent domestic performers across all formats,\u201d a PCB spokesperson commented.
\nHowever, the decision has faced backlash from a section of fans. Many took to social media to express their discontent, with some terming his selection as \u201cunfortunate\u201d and \u201cquestionable\u201d. Critics argued that Faheem Ashraf\u2019s recent form has been far from impressive, which led to a perception that his inclusion was unjustified.
\nDespite the criticism, Pakistan\u2019s national selector Asad Shafiq defended the selection, highlighting Faheem\u2019s experience and his role as a fast-bowling all-rounder. Shafiq emphasised that Faheem\u2019s inclusion provides the team with an option for a fast-bowling all-rounder, which is crucial for the squad\u2019s balance.
\n\u201cFaheem Ashraf\u2019s experience and presence give us a fast-bowling all-rounder\u2019s option,\u201d Shafiq said in a statement released by the PCB.
\nAlongside Faheem, three other players returned to the ODI team, strengthening Pakistan\u2019s squad for the prestigious tournament. The full squad for the tri-nation series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 includes notable players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who will play crucial roles in the team\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Critics question Faheem Ashraf\u2019s form and the decision behind his selection for Pakistan\u2019s squad. islamabad Faheem Ashraf\u2019s selection in Pakistan\u2019s 15-member squad for the ICC Men\u2019s Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked significant debate among fans and cricket experts. His return to the national ODI team has led to a flurry of reactions on social media, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":459088,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-459072","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n