“Pakistan kya darr gaya..”: Ex-cricketer tries to solve mystery over hosts’ delay in CT squad announcement

Pakistan are the winners of the Champions Trophy 2017, and much will be expected from them when the tournament begins on Feb 19.

It has been a few days that Team India announced their squad for the Champions Trophy, but hosts Pakistan are yet to reveal their team. All the sides were supposed to come up with their 15-member provisional squads by Jan 12, but PCB seems to be misusing their rights as the host nation. Former Pakistani batsman Basit Ali has a different take on the entire situation.

Is Pakistani Team Scared?

He feels that PCB is not announcing the squad, as they are waiting for a nod on the availability of Saim Ayub, who was recently injured. “Pakistan kya darr gaya jo abhi tak team announce nahi ki? Nahi dara nahi hai. Samajh nahi aa rahi hai — karein to kya karein? (Is Pakistan scared? No it isn’t, just unsure what to do and what not),” said Basit in a video on his YouTube channel.

“The biggest issue is Saim Ayub, whether he can return fit or not. It’s still not clear.” Saim Ayub has been a prolific scorer in the ODIs, where he has 515 runs in 9 matches, and averages a massive 64, with three tons and a fifty. “I hope I am wrong, but Pakistan’s problem is their middle-order because they have to face 140kmph fast bowlers, barring against India who have spin all-rounders,” said Basit.

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Wait Over Saim Ayub?

“Right now, Pakistan’s No. 5, 6 and 7 appear dodgy. That’s why I am in favour of Saud Shakeel. People are talking about Khushdil Shah. But do you want a T20 player in the Champions Trophy squad?” Meanwhile, the much-anticipated IND vs PAK clash will be played on Feb 23 in Dubai, as Team India will play all their matches at one venue, after their refusal to travel to Pakistan. Their first match will be against Bangladesh on Feb 20.