Pakistan Cricket Team Implements Major Restructuring Ahead of New Zealand Series
Pakistan has reshuffled its T20I squad, dropping Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, while appointing Salman Ali Agha as the new captain. The changes follow a poor showing in the Champions Trophy. The cricket board aims to strengthen the team for upcoming tournaments, with new faces in both T20 and ODI squads.
Pakistan has initiated a significant overhaul in their cricket team, as premier batsman Babar Azam and captain Mohammad Rizwan have been dropped from the T20I squad for the upcoming series in New Zealand. Salman Ali Agha is now the appointed T20I captain, with Shadab Khan serving as his deputy. This shift in leadership happens following Pakistan’s disappointing performance during their title defense in the Champions Trophy.
Despite being excluded from the T20I format, Rizwan will retain his role as captain for the ODI matches. In a notable selection development, prominent pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have also been excluded from the ODI format. The drastic changes reflect the Pakistan Cricket Board’s strategic focus on the forthcoming ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Salman Ali Agha previously led the Pakistani team in a T20I series against Zimbabwe last year, which they won 2-1. Newly included players in the T20I lineup include Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali, while Akif Javed and Mohammad Ali have been added to the ODI squad. It is important to note that the explosive opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were absent due to medical reasons and are expected to recover in time for the upcoming Pakistan Super League 10 in April 2025.
Aqib Javed continues in his role as interim head coach for the tour of New Zealand, as his initial term was set to conclude after the ICC Champions Trophy. Nevertheless, he has been requested to extend his tenure while the search for a permanent replacement unfolds. Additionally, Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach within the management team.
The T20I series against New Zealand is set to take place from March 16 to March 26, followed by a series of three ODIs beginning on March 29. The squads are as follows:
– T20I Squad: Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, and Usman Khan.
– ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, and Tayyab Tahir.
In summary, the Pakistan cricket team undergoes a major restructuring, notably with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan being replaced in the T20I squad. New captain Salman Ali Agha, with a new supporting cast, aims to revitalize the team ahead of significant tournaments. The strategic changes reflect the Pakistan Cricket Board’s commitment to enhancing team performance in future international events.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
