Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has questioned the absence of young talents Irfan Khan Niazi and Sufiyan Muqeem from the Green Shirts’ squad for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In a recent interview, Gillespie expressed his disbelief over Niazi’s omission, particularly highlighting his explosive batting and exceptional fielding.
“Irfan Khan Niazi is one of the hardest hitters and cleanest strikers of the ball in Pakistan. He is also the best fielder in the country. I cannot believe that he was not picked for the Champions Trophy,” Gillespie remarked.
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The former Australian pacer also heaped praise on left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, emphasizing his potential and temperament.
“Sufiyan Muqeem is a very talented cricketer who, if given the right opportunities, can be a great servant for Pakistan cricket,” he added.
Jason Gillespie further stated that selecting only one specialist spinner and leaving Sufiyan out of the squad was a blunder from Pakistan selectors.
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“Already in his short international career, he has shown that he has the skills and temperament to play at the highest level,” he said.
“For the selectors and team management to leave him out and go into the Champions Trophy with just one proper spinner was a glaring mistake.”
Pakistan entered the eight-team tournament as defending champions, however, they crashed out in the group stage after consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India.
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