Shan Masson described as “third class”, Imam-ul-Haq identified as Saim Ayub’s replacement

Former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed has hit out at those backing Shan Masood for a place in the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy ahead of Imam-ul-Haq.

Of 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 and Shan Masood will be in contention for a place in the Pakistan team. Masood has played only 9 ODIs so far and his last appearance in the 50-over format will come in May 2023. The Pakistan Test captain has been in good form in recent times.

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, Imam-ul-Haq has played 72 ODIs so far though he has fallen in recent times. The left-hander has not represented Pakistan since 2023. He last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup.

Read also: ‘Yashasvi Jaiswal won’t let him breathe’: Abhishek Sharma issues ultimatum ahead of England T20Is

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 where he explained the reason for selecting Imam-ul-Haq over Masood.

He began by hitting out at some journalists, accusing them of lobbying for Masood as he wrote: “Some people in the media or journalists, who consider themselves very upright, are lobbying to include Shan Masood in the Champions Trophy squad in Saim Ayub’s place? that is, you will have your food.”

Why Shan Masood Made Saim Ayub’s Champion Trophy Team A few media outlets or a few journalists who clearly understand his job are running a lobby for Shan.

— Says Tanveer (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025

In his 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 excellent. Some of our media have become Shan supporters,” Tanveer wrote. .

Imam ul Haq’s third class performance as Shan Masood has been played only for 9 days but Imam’s performance on this main day has been amazing.

— Says Tanveer (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025

Tanvir concluded by posting a couple of photos, comparing the batting stats of Masood and Imam.

Imam ul Haq’s name should be there on the ODI trophy. Shame on the people who talk about Shan Masood. pic.twitter.com/I7LxGdz281

— Says Tanveer (@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 have been divided into two groups of four teams each. Group A includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B 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.