Pakistan’s cricket team has once again adjusted its T20I lineup, notably excluding captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam for the upcoming five-match series in New Zealand.
This squad announcement, the first since Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the home Champions Trophy, includes several significant changes. Shadab Khan returns to the T20I team as vice-captain, and Salman Agha, previously Rizwan’s副 captain, has been appointed as the T20I captain. In ODIs, Rizwan will continue to lead, but Shaheen Afridi has been left out of the squad.
According to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohammad Haris is back in the team after a prolonged absence from national duty. Saim Ayub is still unavailable due to an ankle injury sustained in South Africa. Hasan Nawaz, a young wicketkeeper-batter with limited T20 experience, has been included in the squad. Abdul Samad, known for his aggressive batting and yet to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), also joins the team after a strong showing in domestic T20 cricket. Omair Yousuf, a batter from Quetta Gladiators, has received a call-up as Pakistan shifts its focus away from seasoned batters in this format.
The bowling department sees fewer changes and remains largely consistent with the recent T20I series against South Africa. While Afridi and Haris Rauf are included, Naseem Shah remains out of the team since his last T20I appearance against Australia in November. Spinners Sufiyaan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed retain their spots, and Khushdil Shah is added to the team.
These changes mark the end of Rizwan’s brief tenure as T20I captain, during which he faced defeat in all four completed T20Is he led. Salman Agha previously captained the team in three T20Is in Zimbabwe, securing a 2-1 series victory.
Babar Azam’s exclusion indicates a continued effort by Pakistan to move beyond the opening partnership of Babar and Rizwan in T20Is. This pair has been a subject of debate since their formation in 2020, criticized by some for a cautious approach at the beginning of T20 innings. However, their reliability and consistent run-scoring, especially against a less dependable middle order, have kept them as key figures in the Pakistan team.
The ODI squad sees fewer dramatic changes, with the exception of Afridi’s omission. He was a leading bowler for Pakistan in their ODI series wins against South Africa and Australia. Rizwan remains the ODI captain, and Babar Azam is in the ODI squad. Abdullah Shafique returns after being dropped for the Champions Trophy. Left-arm fast bowler Akif Javed earns his first ODI squad selection, and Sufiyaan Muqeem is also included.
Pakistan is scheduled to play five T20Is in New Zealand starting from March 16, followed by three ODIs.
Pakistan T20I Squad: Hasan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Haris, Abdul Samad, Salman Agha (captain), 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 (captain), 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.
