Pakistan has announced changes to its T20I and ODI squads for the New Zealand tour, dropping Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I team. Salman Agha steps in as captain, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain. Rizwan retains the ODI captaincy, while Shaheen Afridi has been excluded from the ODI squad. The team aims to improve upon recent disappointing performances in international cricket.
Pakistan has made significant changes to their T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming series against New Zealand, prompted by dismal performances in the recent Champions Trophy. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been dropped from the T20I team, with Salman Agha appointed as the new captain. Vice-captain Shadab Khan returns to the side, indicating a strategic shift in leadership and team dynamics for the five-match T20I series starting March 16.
In the ODI format, Rizwan retains his captaincy, but Shaheen Afridi has been omitted from the squad. Following an injury, Saim Ayub remains absent, whereas Mohammad Haris returns after a lengthy absence from international cricket. New inclusions such as 22-year-old Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad, who has not yet competed in PSL, showcase Pakistan’s intention to embrace fresh talent amid changing circumstances.
The bowling lineup features familiar faces like Haris Rauf and Afridi, though Naseem Shah has not been included due to lack of recent T20I experience. Both spinners, Sufiyaan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, were retained, while Khushdil Shah is introduced into the bowling side. This restructuring reflects a departure from the previous unsuccessful performances while seeking renewed success in the T20I series.
The changes come in light of Rizwan’s brief and challenging tenure as T20I captain, having lost all five matches under his leadership. The decision to exclude Babar and Rizwan reveals a desire to reevaluate the successful but controversial opening partnership established in 2020. Critics have highlighted their cautious approach in T20I matches amid an often inconsistent middle order.
In comparison, the ODI squad sees limited changes aside from Afridi’s exclusion. Rizwan remains at the helm, supported by Babar’s presence in the lineup, alongside Abdullah Shafique, who returns after missing the Champions Trophy. New call-up Akif Javed marks his debut in the ODI format, highlighting an evolving strategy as Pakistan prepares for three ODIs following the T20I matches.
In summary, Pakistan’s selection revamps for the T20Is and ODIs against New Zealand demonstrate a strategic pivot aiming for improved performances following disappointing recent outcomes. The transitions in leadership reflect a commitment to nurturing new talent, while also addressing longstanding issues within their batting order. With significant adjustments, the team appears focused on establishing a balanced squad as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
