Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 16, 2025, 07:00 AM
Champions Trophy: A total of eight teams are participating in the Champions Trophy 2025 this time. The ICC had already announced that all the teams will have to announce their squads by January 12. So far six teams have announced their squads, but the announcement of the teams of India and Pakistan is yet to be made. The reason for the delay in the announcement of these two teams is the update related to the injury of their star players. It is believed that by January 18, both the teams will announce their squads. Meanwhile, a big update has come out regarding the Pakistan team.Sam Ayub may be included in the Pakistan teamPakistan's emerging opener Sam Ayub is in the news that he may be part of the team for the Champions Trophy 2025. However, he was injured during a recent series against South Africa. While fielding, his leg got twisted on the boundary, which caused him a lot of pain and he left the field. After the injury, there were speculations that Sam Ayub's return would not be possible soon.But according to a PTI report, the selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has included Sam Ayub in Pakistan's preliminary team for the Champions Trophy. Although the team has not been officially announced yet, it is almost certain that experienced players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan will be part of the team.Change in the team possible by February 13According to a source associated with the PCB, the selectors have included Sam Ayub in the team, but there are still questions about his fitness. If he is not fully fit by February 13, then another player can be included in the team in his place. The Pakistan Cricket Board is taking this risk because Sam Ayub is in great form at the moment and runs are constantly coming from his bat.However, if he is fielded without being fully fit, his injury can become more serious. At present, Sam Ayub is in London and the doctors there are monitoring his condition. If needed, his rehabilitation will continue in London.Waiting for India's squadIndia's team has also not been announced for the Champions Trophy yet. The team announcement is getting delayed due to the injury of Indian team's leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah was injured in the last match of the series against Australia. Due to his injury, he could not even bowl in the last innings.Indian cricket fans and experts are waiting for what update comes regarding Bumrah's condition. It is believed that if Bumrah becomes fit, he will join the team, otherwise another fast bowler will be given a chance in his place. The Indian team's squad is likely to be announced by January 19.What do the experts say?Cricket experts believe that the fitness of their star players is a big issue for both Pakistan and India. While Pakistan is taking a big risk considering the form of Sam Ayub, India is cautious about the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah. In a big tournament like the Champions Trophy, the role of fit and in-form players is very important.First match of Champions TrophyThe first match of the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played on 19 February. Now only one month is left for the tournament, so all the teams would like to take the field with their best players. Cricket lovers of India and Pakistan are eagerly waiting to know which players will be included in the squad of their teams.ConclusionThe wait for the Champions Trophy 2025 is increasing among cricket fans. While the Pakistan team has played a big bet by including Sam Ayub in the team, the Indian team is keeping an eye on the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah. Before the tournament, it will be interesting to see which players both the teams include in their final list and whether their star players are fully fit for the tournament.