Khushdil Shah in contention for Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 squad

LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah is in the mix to join the national squad for the upcoming tri-nation series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, both scheduled to take place next month.

Shah is being considered a potential candidate due to his impressive all-round performances in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025.

The left-handed batter has scored 274 runs in eight matches, boasting an exceptional strike rate of 197.12 and an average of 91.33. He currently ranks as the seventh-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

In his brief international career, Shah has played 10 ODI matches for Pakistan, accumulating 199 runs at an average of 33.16, and has taken two wickets with the ball.

His last 50-over appearance for Pakistan came in August 2022 against the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood, is also under consideration for the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, alongside Imam-ul-Haq, to potentially fill the void left by Saim Ayub.

Ayub's participation remains uncertain due to a right ankle fracture, and he is currently undergoing treatment in England. He is expected to return to Pakistan in early February, but team management is cautious about rushing his recovery.

Sources also indicated that Abdullah Shafique's recent dip in form has prompted selectors to consider Shan Masood for the ODI format.

Alongside Masood, selectors are deliberating the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and Haseebullah Khan. Regulars like Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan are also in the mix.

In the bowling department, Pakistan's pace attack looks strong, with Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf leading the charge. Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem are also contenders for the final squad.

The tri-nation series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand, will begin on February 8.

Following that, the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off on February 19 and run through March 9, with matches taking place in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Dubai.