Pakistan and several other countries on Thursday condemned Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) after its forces intercepted the flotilla heading to break Israel’s siege of Gaza and deliver aid. Israeli forces began intercepting the flotilla’s latest bid to reach Gaza late last night, the fleet said. Israel has so far intercepted 39 boats with foreign activists on board to Gaza, leaving only one vessel still sailing towards the Palestinian enclave, the flotilla organisers said today. The 45-vessel flotilla, with activists and politicians including Greta Thunberg on board, left Spain last month to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of famine. Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was also on board. Hours after Tel Aviv’s move drew global condemnation, Israeli foreign ministry posted on X that all on board the flotilla were safe would be “deported to Europe”...
The Pakistan Cricket Board is ready to announce the cricket squad for the much-awaited Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy 2025. According to informed sources, the finalization of the selection process, conducted with national selectors after close-door consultations, is likely to feature players who have remained consistent in their performances at international stages. The likely announcement in the next two days is already pouring in excitement into the hearts of cricket lovers.
Sources reveal that few Pakistan cricketing superstars are going to be in the team, and some of them comprise Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed. These cricketers have prior experience and form, which is going to help Pakistan in its preparation for the two high-stakes tournaments. Their inclusion leaves all the evidence of selectors' confidence upon them to deliver under the pressures.
Reports also suggest Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel to have strong chances to be selected for both tournaments. Fakhar with his opener, Khushdil as the middle-order finisher, and Saud's consistencies would look good on board. It can add depth to Pakistan's batting line-up for such opponents who are likely to face them; New Zealand and South Africa can be challenging competitors.
However, there is a cloud of uncertainty over the inclusion of young talent Saim Ayub, who is suffering from an injury. Saim has shown great promise with his aggressive batting style and may miss out if he does not recover in time. Abbas Afridi and Aamir Jamal are also under consideration. Both have shown promise in domestic cricket. Their inclusion will give a fresh boost to the team, especially in the all-rounder department.
However, prospects such as Abdullah Shafique, Irfan Khan, Sufyan Muqeem, and Mohammad Hasnain are likely to miss the cut. Even though these players possess talent, they are left out of the fray since only a few positions are available, and the selectors prefer experience and fitness-oriented players. It is an inference made on handling pressure in big-ticket tournaments.
The Pakistan ODI team will start its preparation for the Tri-Nation Series on February 4. The matches held against New Zealand and South Africa will form a crucial testing ground for Pakistan to shave its skills before the Champions Trophy. Pakistan, as the defending champions, will be ready to strengthen their position in the world and produce a well-rounded performance. The people are eagerly awaiting the final team to be declared as the hopes for Pakistan cricket rest on them.
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