Khushdil Shah Omitted, Shan Masood Considered

The Pakistan cricket team's selection committee is considering Shan Masood as a potential replacement for injured Saim Ayub in the upcoming Champions Trophy, with the final decision hinging on Saim's availability and Shan's performance in the ongoing Test against the West Indies.

Shan Masood, Pakistan's Test captain, has been in good form recently, and his experience in one-day cricket, both in Pakistan and county cricket in England, could provide stability to Pakistan's batting lineup. He has scored 163 runs at an average of 18 in nine ODIs, with a solitary half-century, and last played an ODI against New Zealand in 2023. Other options being considered include Imam ul Haq, Haseebullah Khan, and Fakhar Zaman.

The team's selection seems to be a straightforward process, with the exception of opening slots, as the rest of the players who have recently played in international ODIs are likely to be automatically selected. The selectors are still waiting for a final word on Saim's availability, which is expected to be clear later this month, and have set a deadline of February 12 to announce the squad for the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan is set to announce its squad for the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand within a week, with the same squad likely to represent the team in the Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9 across three venues in Pakistan and Dubai.

As the selection committee waits for the fitness report of Saim Ayub, who is recovering from an ankle injury in London, the team's preparation for the Champions Trophy is in full swing. With the deadline for announcing the squad approaching, the selectors will have to make a decision soon on whether to include Shan Masood or other options in the team.