Pakistan has announced its squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan left out of the T20I team. Salman Ali Agha will serve as T20I captain, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain. This tour will feature three uncapped players and strategic preparations for future international competitions.
On March 14, Pakistan announced their squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, highlighting significant changes in the T20I team. Star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been omitted from the T20I lineup, with Rizwan notably removed as captain in this format. Instead, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the T20I captain, supported by vice-captain Shadab Khan as the team prepares to compete in a five-match T20I series from March 16 to March 26, 2025.
Head coach Aqib Javed confirmed these changes during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Notably, Rizwan will remain the captain for the ODI matches, with Agha serving as his deputy in the three 50-over games scheduled following the T20Is. The choice of Agha and Khan as leader and vice-leader is aimed at building a robust squad for the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The T20I squad includes three uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali, who have demonstrated outstanding performances in recent domestic competitions. Samad recorded 115 runs at a commendable strike rate during the Champions T20 Cup, while Nawaz emerged as the second leading run-scorer with 312 runs. Mohammad Ali proved his worth as the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in the same tournament, showcasing the team’s depth and promise.
Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were omitted from both squads due to injury concerns, with their fitness expected to improve in time for the HBL Pakistan Super League 10 starting on April 11, 2025. Coach Aqib Javed’s term as interim head coach continues, while Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach, further enhancing the coaching staff’s expertise.
The complete T20I squad includes captain Salman Ali Agha, vice-captain Shadab Khan, and a mix of seasoned players and newcomers like Haris Rauf and Omair Bin Yousaf. The ODI team retains Rizwan as captain and includes Babar Azam, while plans to add a wicketkeeper/batter to the ODI squad will occur after the T20 series. The touring schedule includes matches at various locations in New Zealand, commencing March 16, signaling an exciting series ahead for Pakistani cricket fans.
In conclusion, the Pakistan cricket team has made strategic adjustments for the upcoming New Zealand tour, notably excluding Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad. Salman Ali Agha has stepped in as captain for the T20 format, while Rizwan continues his role in ODIs. The inclusion of promising uncapped players emphasizes the team’s focus on preparing for upcoming international tournaments.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
