With a fortnight to go for the Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s squad for the mega event has been a big talking point, with Saim Ayub having been ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. Star batter Babar Azam is likely to open the innings for the team alongside Fakhar Zaman.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub’s absence is a big blow considering his recent performances in white-ball format. Fakhar Zaman, on the other hand, has made his return to the side after a long period. Amid the reshuffling, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has said that Babar Azam will have an excuse ready if he fails to perform in the champions Trophy as an opener. He further said that regardless of Babar’s performance, his position in the side remains intact.
“Babar's place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy. If he performs, he will say 'I played for Pakistan'. If he doesn’t perform, he will say 'I was forcefully made to open'," Ali said on his YouTube channel.
Pakistan, who will be captained by Mohammad Rizwan, will kick off their campaign on February 19 by clashing with New Zealand in Karachi. And their keenly awaited face-off against India will be held on February 23 in UAE. Pakistan will enter Champions Trophy on the back of ODI series victories against Australia and South Africa.