Former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed has hit out at those backing Shan Masood to get a place in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad ahead of Imam-ul-Haq.
Among the eight teams participating in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan is the only team that is yet to announce its preliminary squad. With Saim Ayub injured and out of form, Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan set to miss out, Pakistan are likely to make a number of changes to the ODI squad that played South Africa last month.
According to reports, Imam-ul-Haq as well as Shan Masood are in contention for a place in the Pakistan squad. Masood has played only 9 ODIs so far, his last appearance in the 50-over format will be in May 2023. The Pakistan Test captain has looked in good form in recent times.
Earlier this month, he played a brilliant knock of 145 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, Imam-ul-Haq has played 72 ODIs so far, though he has fallen in his turn of late. The southpaw has not represented Pakistan since 2023. He last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup.
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Tanvir Ahmed supports Imam-ul-Haq:
While only time will tell who gets the nod between Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood, Tanvir Ahmed has thrown his support behind the former. On Wednesday (January 22), he took to X to post a series of messages explaining why he chose Imam-ul-Haq over Masood.
He began by slamming some journalists, accusing them of lobbying for Masood, as he wrote: “Are some media people or journalists, who consider themselves very fair, lobbying to include Shan Masood in the Champions Trophy squad in Saim Ayub's place? these are that you will have your meal.”
Why Shan Masood became Saim Ayub's champion trophy team. A few media people or a few journalists who clearly understand their work are lobbying for Shan. I have a request.
— Tanveer says (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025
In the second post, Tanvir said that Imam-ul-Haq should replace Saim Ayub in the Pakistan team and not Masood. He also pointed out that Masood has played only 9 ODIs so far and has not performed well in the format.
“Imam-ul-Haq should be selected instead of Saim Ayub. Shan Masood's performance is third class, he has played only 9 ODIs. Imam's performance in ODIs is outstanding. Some of the people our media have become supporters of Shan,” Tanveer wrote.
Imam ul Haq should be selected. Saim Ayub's third class performance as Shan Masood was only played for 9 days but Imam's performance on this main day was amazing. We became champions of the glory of some people in the media.
— Tanveer says (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025
Tanvir concluded by posting some pictures comparing the batting stats of Masood and Imam.
Imam ul Haq's name should be present in Champion's trophy, it should be checked. pic.twitter.com/I7LxGdz281
— Tanveer says (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025
Meanwhile, a total of eight teams will participate in the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be played from February 19. The tournament will be played in Pakistan and UAE. The final will be played on March 9.
The eight teams were divided into two groups of four teams each. Group A includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B has 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.