Former Pakistan cricketer Tanveer Ahmed has slammed those who are backing Shan Masood to get a place in the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy ahead of facing Imam-ul-Haq.
Among the eight teams participating in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan is the only team that has not yet announced its preliminary squad. With Saim Ayub injured and Abdullah Shafiq and Usman Khan out of form, Pakistan are likely to make a number of changes to the ODI squad that played against South Africa last month.
According to reports, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood are competing for a place in the Pakistan national team. Masood has played just 9 ODI matches so far, with his last appearance in the 50-over format coming in May 2023. The Pakistani Test captain has looked in good form of late.
Earlier this month, he played a brilliant knock of 145 runs in the second innings of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. He also scored a fifty in the recently concluded Test against the West Indies.
On the other hand, Imamul Haq has played 72 international matches so far despite falling down the pecking order recently. The southpaw has not represented Pakistan since 2023. He last played an international match during the 2023 World Cup.
Read also: ‘Yashasvi Jaiswal won’t let him breathe’: Abhishek Sharma issues ultimatum ahead of England T20Is
Tanveer Ahmed supports Imam Al-Haq:
While only time will tell who will get the nod between Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood, Tanveer Ahmed has thrown his support behind the former. On Wednesday (January 22), he took to X to post a series of messages explaining why Imamul Haq was chosen over Masoud.
He began by criticizing some journalists and accused them of lobbying in favor of Masoud. He wrote: “Are some media figures or journalists who consider themselves very good pressing for Shan Masoud to be included in the Champions Cup team instead of Sayem Ayoub? My request to them is, you will get your meal.”
Why did Shan Masoud become Saim Ayoub’s champion cup team? There are a few media professionals or a few journalists who clearly understand their work running a lobby group for Shan.
– Tanveer says (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025
In his second post, Tanveer said that Imam-ul-Haq should replace Saim Ayub in the Pakistani team and not Masood. He also pointed out that Masood has played only 9 ODI matches so far and has not performed well in this format.
“Imam-ul-Haq should be chosen instead of Saim Ayub. Shan Masood’s performance is third-rate, he has played only 9 ODIs. Imam’s performance in ODIs is fantastic. Some of our media persons have become Shan’s supporters,” Tanveer wrote. .
Third class Imam Haq performance like Shan Masood should be selected for only 9 days but Imam’s performance on this main day was amazing we became champions for the glory of some media people.
– Tanveer says (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025
Tanveer concluded by posting two pictures to compare the batting statistics of Masoud and Imam.
Imam Haq’s name must be present on the Champion Trophy. Must check this out. Shame on those people who talk about Shan Masoud. pic.twitter.com/I7LxGdz281
– Tanveer says (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025
Meanwhile, eight teams will participate in the Champions Cup, scheduled to be held from February 19. The tournament will be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. The final match is scheduled to be held on March 9.
The eight teams were divided into two groups of four teams each. The first group includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while the second group includes Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia. Pakistan, who are also the defending champions, will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi.
https://static.cricketaddictor.com/images/posts/2025/Shan-Masood-Imam-ul-Haq.webp?q=80
Source link