Pakistan has dropped captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20 squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, starting March 16. Salman Ali Agha has been named captain, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain. The team is focused on adopting an aggressive approach to T20 cricket, bringing in several domestic talents to strengthen their lineup.
The Pakistan cricket team has announced significant changes ahead of the T20 series against New Zealand, excluding former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The five-match series commences on March 16, with Salman Ali Agha appointed as the new captain and Shadab Khan as vice-captain. Agha previously led Pakistan to a series victory against Zimbabwe last year, showcasing his leadership capabilities.
Rizwan maintains his position as captain for the upcoming three one-day internationals (ODIs) scheduled to begin on March 29, alongside Babar, who has also been included in the ODI squad. The selectors have opted for multiple changes following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, where they were eliminated after losing to both India and New Zealand.
Key fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been included in the T20 squad but excluded from the ODI side. In contrast, top-order batters Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel will not participate, while opener Abdullah Shafique has been recalled to the team after being overlooked for the Champions Trophy due to a poor performance in South Africa.
Interim head coach Aaqib Javed emphasized the need for a fearless and aggressive style of play in T20 cricket, reflecting the current trend where teams frequently score over 200 runs. He stated, “We need batters who could utilize the first six overs of the batting powerplay and play big shots.” Javed’s coaching contract, initially set to expire with the Champions Trophy, has been extended as the Pakistan Cricket Board seeks a permanent head coach.
The T20 squad features newcomers Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali, all of whom have demonstrated excellent performance in domestic competitions. Samad achieved a notable strike-rate in the T20 Champions Cup, while Nawaz emerged as the second-highest run-scorer. Ali, a fast bowler, led the wicket charts with 22 dismissals in the same tournament.
In conclusion, the Pakistan cricket team is undergoing a transformative phase in preparation for the T20 series against New Zealand. By appointing new leadership and integrating domestic performers, the team aims to enhance their competitive edge in T20 cricket. With a focus on aggressive strategies and a revamped squad, Pakistan is poised to rebuild and strive for success in the upcoming matches.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
