Islamabad, Feb 12: Pakistan’s limited-overs captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has endorsed the selection of Khushdil Shah for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, expressing confidence in the team’s spin-bowling resources.
Rizwan believes that the part-time duo of Khushdil and Salman Ali Agha will provide adequate cover, negating the need for a second specialist spinner alongside leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. However, this decision has sparked debate, as neither Salman nor Khushdil have been extensively tested as frontline bowling options at the international level.
Pakistan’s historical reliance on its formidable pace attack has often left spin as a secondary consideration. While teams like India have leaned towards spin-heavy strategies in global tournaments, Pakistan appears content with makeshift options in the middle overs.
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The selectors seem to believe that Salman’s off-spin, often used as a stopgap measure, and Khushdil’s developing left-arm spin recently seen in the Bangladesh Premier League will be enough to handle opposition batting line-ups.
This approach, however, carries significant risk. Salman, despite being labeled an all-rounder, has yet to prove himself as a dependable bowler on the international stage. Khushdil, primarily known for his batting, has only recently begun to showcase his bowling skills in competitive leagues. Relying on two untested part-time spinners in a high-stakes tournament could leave Pakistan vulnerable, particularly if conditions demand more specialized spin options.
The unpredictability of the Champions Trophy surfaces adds another layer of uncertainty. Pakistan is set to play on three different pitches, each of which could present distinct challenges. If Salman and Khushdil struggle to provide control in the middle overs, Rizwan’s side may find itself forced into reactive tactical shifts during the tournament.
For now, the selectors remain firm in their belief that the team possesses enough variety in its spin department. Whether this confidence stems from a well-calculated strategy or mere optimism will only become evident once the Champions Trophy unfolds.
If their gamble pays off, Pakistan will have successfully defied conventional selection norms. But if the makeshift spin attack falters, the decision to overlook a second specialist spinner could come under intense scrutiny.
