The Pakistan cricket team reshuffled its squad for the T20I series in New Zealand, dropping Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new captain, while Shadab Khan acts as his deputy. The changes come after a poor performance in the Champions Trophy and are aimed at preparing for the future World Cups.
Pakistan has undergone significant changes in its squad for the T20I series against New Zealand, with premier batter Babar Azam and captain Mohammad Rizwan being dropped. In their place, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new captain of the T20I team, supported by Shadab Khan as his deputy.
Although Rizwan remains the captain for the ODI format, renowned fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have also been excluded from the team. The decision to restructure the squad follows Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy, where they exited early from title contention.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has made these adjustments with an eye on two significant upcoming tournaments: the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Salman guided the team to a T20I series victory over Zimbabwe last year, showcasing his capabilities as a leader.
New additions to the T20I squad include Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali. Akif Javed and Mohammad Ali have been incorporated into the ODI squad as well. It is noteworthy that Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub have been sidelined from both formats due to medical conditions, although both are projected to recover in time for the Pakistan Super League.
Aqib Javed will continue his role as interim head coach for the tour, with his initial term having been extended while a permanent replacement is sought. Additionally, Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as batting coach to strengthen the team’s performance.
The T20I series against New Zealand is set to occur from March 16 to 26, followed by three ODIs commencing on March 29. The T20I squad comprises players such as Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, and Abdul Samad, while the ODI squad includes Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and others.
In summary, the Pakistan cricket team has made significant alterations to its T20I squad ahead of the series against New Zealand, reflecting a strategic move following recent performances. The appointments and exclusions indicate a shift in focus towards preparing for major forthcoming tournaments. As the team gears up for the challenges ahead, these changes could prove pivotal to reclaiming past glory in international cricket.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
