Pakistan Cricket Team Undergoes Major Changes Ahead of T20I Series in New Zealand

Pakistan’s cricket team has experienced a major reshuffle as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are removed from the T20I squad for the New Zealand series. Salman Ali Agha is appointed captain with Shadab Khan as deputy. The adjustments follow Pakistan’s poor performance in the Champions Trophy and are aimed at future competitions, including the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

A significant rearrangement has occurred within the Pakistan cricket team as premier batter Babar Azam and captain Mohammad Rizwan have been excluded from the T20I squad scheduled to face New Zealand. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new captain for the T20Is, with Shadab Khan serving as his deputy. Rizwan will still take charge of the ODI lineup, although fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will not participate in this format.

This reorganization follows Pakistan’s dismal performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy, where they faced a humiliating early exit from the competition. The Pakistan Cricket Board has indicated that these changes aim to better position the team for upcoming key tournaments, notably the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Salman Ali Agha previously captained the team in a T20I series against Zimbabwe, which resulted in a 2-1 victory for Pakistan. New additions to the T20I squad include Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali. Furthermore, Akif Javed and Mohammad Ali have been incorporated into the ODI team.

Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, an explosive opening pair, have been ruled out due to injuries, both expected to recover in time for the Pakistan Super League 10, commencing on April 11, 2025. Aqib Javed will maintain his role as the interim head coach for the New Zealand tour while the search for a permanent head coach proceeds. Mohammad Yousuf will join the management as the batting coach.

The five-match T20I series against New Zealand will transpire from March 16 to 26, followed by three ODIs commencing on March 29. The T20I squad includes Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, and several others, while the ODI squad comprises players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Abdullah Shafique.

In conclusion, the Pakistan cricket team has undergone a significant shake-up ahead of the upcoming T20I series in New Zealand, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan dropped from the squad. Salman Ali Agha has been entrusted with captaincy, while several new players have been introduced. These changes aim to enhance the team’s performance and prepare for future international tournaments.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

About Liam Nguyen

Liam Nguyen is an insightful tech journalist with over ten years of experience exploring the intersection of technology and society. A graduate of MIT, Liam's articles offer critical perspectives on innovation and its implications for everyday life. He has contributed to leading tech magazines and online platforms, making him a respected name in the industry.

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