PCB Announces Squads for Tours of Australia and Zimbabwe with Notable Player Returns
The PCB has announced ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, featuring returning players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah. However, Rizwan has been rested for the Zimbabwe T20Is, and several key players are missing from the squads. The ODI series against Australia begins on November 4, marking an important phase for Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy in February.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the national squads for the upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe. Notable inclusions are Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, who return to the team for both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is) after being excluded from the previous two Tests against England. However, these players will not participate in the subsequent series against Zimbabwe, which follows the Australian tour. As of now, a captain for the squads has not been officially announced, with Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of PCB, set to disclose this information at a press conference later today. Mohammad Rizwan is anticipated to lead the team, although he has been rested for the T20Is against Zimbabwe. Noteworthy exclusions include Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq from any of the squads, while Mohammad Hasnain has earned his place following a commendable performance in the Champions One-Day Cup, despite not receiving a central contract. Additionally, Shadab Khan has been dropped from the T20I squads, while Sufiyan Muqeem has been selected as a left-arm wrist spinner. The dynamic nature of the selection indicates fluctuating performances and considerations surrounding player contracts. The ODI series against Australia is scheduled to commence on November 4, marking Pakistan’s return to ODIs after participating in the prior year’s World Cup in India. This series is crucial as it precedes the Champions Trophy set for February. Following the matches against Australia, Pakistan will also engage in contests against Zimbabwe, South Africa, and a tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa in Multan before the Champions Trophy begins.
The Pakistan national cricket team has undergone significant changes in its squad selections for the upcoming international tours against Australia and Zimbabwe. The PCB’s decisions reflect the evolving dynamics of player performance and fitness, particularly in light of recent series and tournaments. The absence of key players in the Zimbabwe series raises questions about strategic player management and the selection of emerging talents who have performed impressively in domestic competitions. The upcoming ODIs against Australia are especially critical as they represent a key phase ahead of the Champions Trophy, where Pakistan will host its first ICC event since the 1996 World Cup.
In summary, the PCB’s announcement regarding the squad selections for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours highlights the return of several key players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah. The selections showcase a blend of veteran experience and fresh talent, reflecting the PCB’s adaptive strategy ahead of an important international calendar. The anticipation surrounding the decision on captaincy further adds to the excitement as Pakistan prepares to reclaim its position in the ODIs and T20Is on the global stage.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
