Pakistan has announced its ODI and T20I squads for the tour of New Zealand. Salman Ali Agha will captain the T20I team, while Mohammad Rizwan continues as ODI captain. Fresh talents have been introduced in the squads, coinciding with the absence of some key players due to injury. The series schedule extends from March 16 to April 5.
Pakistan has officially announced its ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming series against New Zealand, following a disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the captain for the T20I format, while Mohammad Rizwan retains his role as captain for ODIs. Agha will also serve as the vice-captain for the ODI squad.
The selection committee has acknowledged the standout performers from domestic competitions, with three uncapped players—Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali—included in the T20I squad. Additionally, Akif Javed and Mohammad Ali will participate in the ODI squad, despite openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub being sidelined due to medical concerns.
Fakhar Zaman is recovering from a sprained muscle, while Saim Ayub is still recuperating from a fractured ankle sustained during the South Africa tour. For this series, Aqib Javed will continue as the head coach, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in the process of selecting a permanent head coach, expected to be finalized by the conclusion of the New Zealand series. Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach for the tour.
The T20I squad comprises: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, and Usman Khan. The ODI squad includes: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, and Tayyab Tahir.
Moreover, the player support personnel will consist of Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Aqib Javed (interim head coach), Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach), Mohammad Yousuf (batting coach), and others including medical and support staff.
The tour of New Zealand will commence with the first T20I on March 16 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, followed by four additional T20I matches and three ODIs, concluding on April 5 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
This tour marks an important opportunity for Pakistan to regroup and integrate fresh talent into their squad while addressing the challenges faced in previous tournaments.
In summary, following the underwhelming Champions Trophy performance, Pakistan has appointed Salman Ali Agha as the T20I captain and retained Mohammad Rizwan for ODIs. The inclusion of emerging talent in the squads reflects a commitment to embracing new skills and experiences. This tour presents an avenue for the team to recover and showcase its capabilities against New Zealand, with the support of an experienced coaching staff.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
