Pakistan’s cricket team has opted for significant changes in their T20 International lineup, notably resting both captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam for the upcoming five-match series in New Zealand.
The first team announcement after Pakistan’s disappointing Champions Trophy performance includes several adjustments. Shadab Khan is back as the T20I vice-captain, and Salman Agha will take over T20I captaincy from Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan will continue to captain the ODI team, but Shaheen Afridi has been left out of the ODI squad.
According to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohammad Haris is rejoining the team after a period away from national duties. Saim Ayub remains unavailable due to an ankle injury sustained in South Africa. Hasan Nawaz, a young wicketkeeper with limited T20 experience, has been included in the squad. Abdul Samad, known for his aggressive batting in domestic T20 cricket, also joins the team after a strong domestic showing. Omair Yousuf from Quetta Gladiators has received a call-up, signaling a shift away from experienced batters in the T20 format.
The bowling department sees fewer alterations, maintaining a similar composition to the recent T20I series in South Africa. While Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are part of the squad, Naseem Shah remains absent. Spinners Sufiyaan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed retain their spots, and Khushdil Shah is added to the team.
These changes conclude Rizwan’s brief tenure as T20I captain, during which he led Pakistan in four completed T20Is, losing all. Salman Agha previously captained the team in three T20Is against Zimbabwe, securing a 2-1 series win.
Babar Azam’s exclusion suggests a potential strategy shift away from the Babar-Rizwan opening partnership in T20Is. This duo has faced criticism for their conservative approach at the beginning of T20 innings, although their consistent run-scoring has been a reliable factor for Pakistan.
The ODI squad sees fewer changes, with the notable exclusion of Shaheen Afridi, despite his strong performance in ODI series wins against South Africa and Australia. Rizwan remains the ODI captain, and Babar Azam is included in the squad. Abdullah Shafique returns after missing the Champions Trophy. Akif Javed, a left-arm fast bowler, earns his first ODI call-up, and Sufiyaan Muqeem also returns.
Pakistan is scheduled to play five T20Is in New Zealand starting March 16, followed by three ODIs.
Pakistan T20I Squad: Hasan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Haris, Abdul Samad, Salman Agha (capt), Irfan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyaan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan
Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (capt), Salman Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.
