Pakistan Reveals ODI and T20I Squads Ahead of New Zealand Tour

The PCB has announced its T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour, appointing Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain and Mohammed Rizwan as ODI captain. The selection focuses on building a team for future tournaments, with notable uncapped players included. The series includes five T20Is and three ODIs scheduled from March 16 to April 5.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its national squad for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against New Zealand, set to begin later this month. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as captain for the T20I team, alongside vice-captain Shadab Khan, leading a total of five matches from March 16 to 26. Mohammad Rizwan will continue his role as captain for the ODI format, with Agha serving as his deputy for three ODI matches scheduled from March 29 to April 5.

This decision to name Salman and Shadab in leadership roles is strategic, focusing on future tournaments, including the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Salman has prior experience leading a T20I series, having achieved a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe last year. In preparation for the T20 World Cup, Pakistan plans to play multiple T20I series against various teams leading up to the event.

Rizwan’s continued leadership in the ODI format aims at building a strong side for the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be hosted by Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The squad for the New Zealand tour includes notable players alongside three uncapped members—Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali, who earned their berths due to commendable performances in recent domestic tournaments.

The T20I squad comprises Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), 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. Meanwhile, the ODI team includes Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), 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, with a wicketkeeper/batter to be added following the T20Is.

The New Zealand tour schedule commences with the first T20I on March 16 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The subsequent matches are scheduled for March 18, 21, 23, and 26, followed by the ODI series starting on March 29, April 2, and concluding on April 5. This tour presents an essential opportunity for the Pakistani squad to exhibit their talents in international cricket.

The PCB’s squad announcement for the New Zealand tour outlines a carefully strategized approach, emphasizing leadership roles aimed at upcoming international tournaments. With experienced players and fresh talent included, Pakistan is preparing for both ODIs and T20Is. This series will serve as a critical platform for the team to gain experience and performance insights ahead of significant global competitions.

Original Source: asianewsnetwork.net