Pakistan Revamps T20 Squad Ahead of New Zealand Series, Drops…

Pakistan has dropped former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from their T20 squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Salman Ali Agha will captain the team, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain. The squad features several newly selected players, emphasizing a transition towards a more aggressive playing style in T20 cricket. Rizwan retains his captaincy for the ODI series starting March 29.

The Pakistan cricket selectors have made significant changes to their T20 squad ahead of the series against New Zealand, dropping high-profile players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new captain, with Shadab Khan serving as vice-captain. Agha previously led Pakistan to a successful 2-1 series victory over Zimbabwe late last year, affirming his capability in leadership.

Pakistan’s decision to revamp the T20 team comes after a disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy, where the team was eliminated early after losses to New Zealand and India, finishing fourth in their group. Consequently, several domestic performers have been rewarded with selections for the five-match T20 series beginning on March 16.

While Rizwan and Babar have been excluded from the T20 format, they remain integral to the ODI squad, with Rizwan continuing as captain for the three ODIs against New Zealand starting March 29. Selectors have implemented further changes to the ODI lineup following the recent tournament performance, which prompted a reevaluation of player roles.

In addition to Agha and Khan, the T20 squad features emerging players, such as Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz, who have made notable contributions in domestic competitions. Fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been included in the T20 setup but will not participate in the ODIs, highlighting the selectors’ strategy to blend experience and fresh talent.

Pakistan’s interim head coach Aaqib Javed expressed the need for a more aggressive and fearless approach in T20 cricket, emphasizing that modern teams frequently score over 200 runs. New players were brought in to enhance performance during the powerplay as part of this vision. Aaqib’s contract has been extended as the PCB continues to seek a full-time head coach, ensuring stability amid changes.

In summary, the Pakistan cricket team is undergoing a period of transition, with the exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20 squad marking a notable shift in strategy. Salman Ali Agha will lead this new lineup, comprising several promising domestic talents. The focus on a more aggressive playing style reflects the necessity to adapt to the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket, while Rizwan remains a key figure in the ODI format.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com