The PCB has announced Pakistan’s squads for tours to Australia and Zimbabwe, with Babar Azam returning to the ODIs and T20Is against Australia after his omission from previous Test matches. Major changes include the exclusion of Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman. The PCB has not yet appointed a new white-ball captain, which will be revealed in an upcoming media conference.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the national squads for the upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe, confirming the inclusion of former captain Babar Azam in both the ODI and T20I formats against Australia. This follows his exclusion from the last two Test matches against England. The series against Australia is set to commence on November 4, featuring three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), while the six-match series against Zimbabwe will begin on November 24. Noteworthy changes have been made to both the ODI and T20I squads, with prominent players such as Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman being left out entirely for these tours. The PCB has yet to appoint a new white-ball captain, which further piques interest ahead of the upcoming media conference scheduled to take place in Lahore on Sunday at 3:30 PM local time, during which PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to introduce the new captain. The PCB announced, “Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who were given a break from the last two Tests against England, return for the Australia matches but will be rested for the Zimbabwe tour.” Additionally, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will participate in both the match formats against Australia, yet will not compete in the T20Is during the Zimbabwe tour.
The Pakistan cricket team is preparing for critical tours that will test their capabilities against formidable opponents. The announcement of the squads marks a significant moment, especially with the return of Babar Azam, who has faced scrutiny following a series of poor performances. The PCB’s alterations to the lineup, including the omission of experienced players like Shadab Khan, indicate a strategic shift aimed at revitalizing the team ahead of important matches. These tours serve not just as opportunities for immediate success, but also as a crucible for the team to solidify its competitive edge in international cricket.
In summary, the PCB has outlined the squads for the upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe, featuring the reinstatement of Babar Azam in the side. Major adjustments, notably the exclusion of several high-profile players, reflect a transformative approach as the team looks to regain form. The anticipated announcement of a new white-ball captain adds another layer of intrigue as Pakistan gears up for these significant international commitments.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com