Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Akram stated that the Pakistan selectors have made a big mistake by leaving Abdul Razzaq out of the Champions Trophy squad.

"The Pakistan selectors have made an error in leaving Abdul Razzaq out of the squad for the Champions Trophy. They have made a big mistake by not selecting him and the team will miss his hitting power down the order and his bowling too in South Africa. I was very surprised when I saw the squad and noted that Razzaq wasn't named. If it had been up to me I would have left out Shoaib Malik" said Akram.

Akram who played for Pakistan between 1995 and 2001 added "Even without Abdul Razzaq, Pakistan has a lot of talent in the squad. You never know in one day cricket anything can happen. Just look at the Twenty/20 World Cup when, after the warmup matches nobody gave Pakistan a chance, but they went onto lift the trophy. This Pakistan team has a nice blend of talented youngsters and experienced players and could win the Champions Trophy".

When asked about which of the youngsters in the Pakistan squad had he been most impressed with, Akram stated "Mohammad Aamer has been very impressive. Provided he stays fit and in form, he will be a great find for Pakistan".

Akram who played 9 tests and 23 ODIs for Pakistan continued "The pitches in South Africa in September will be very similar to Pakistani surfaces and this will of course help the Pakistani bowlers. The ball will reverse in South Africa at this time of the year and if the Pakistani bowlers look after the ball, they will be a handful for opposition batsmen. Its important though that the Pakistani tactics should be to bat first whenever possible".

Akram who has recently been representing Lashings cricket club added "The senior players in the team need to back each other and come up with a gameplan in South Africa. It's also very important that skipper Younis Khan continues with his policy of letting the players play with a sense of freedom and not putting too much pressure on the younger players. Younis' tactics were great in the Twenty/20 World Cup and he should continue with this approach at the Champions Trophy".

"As far as who will win the tournament? In my opinion I think one of the Asian teams will be champions this time around" stated Akram.