Pakistan's Star Players Likely to Miss New Zealand Tour After Champions Trophy Exit

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign ended in disappointment as they crashed out in the league stage. The team faced heavy criticism for their performance, and reports suggest that key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf might skip the upcoming New Zealand tour. According to Cricket Pakistan, these players could withdraw before any official decision is made to drop them.

Pakistan was eliminated early from the Champions Trophy 2025.
Senior players may opt out of the New Zealand tour to avoid being dropped.
Pakistan will play five T20Is and three ODIs in New Zealand from March 16 to April 5.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Struggles

Pakistan played two matches, one against New Zealand and another against India. They lost both games convincingly, with their fast-bowling trio failing to perform. Babar Azam, who was promoted to open the innings, scored a fifty, but his low strike rate did not match the game’s demands. These failures have led to serious discussions about team changes.

Possible Squad Overhaul for New Zealand Tour

Pakistan’s management is considering giving chances to young players on the New Zealand tour. The team is looking ahead to the T20 World Cup 2026 and 50-over World Cup 2027. The tour includes:

Five T20Is starting March 16 in Christchurch.
Three ODIs, with the last match in Mount Maunganui on April 5.

Why Are Senior Players Skipping the Tour?

The likely absence of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf raises questions. While official reasons have not been announced, sources suggest:

Players want to avoid embarrassment after a poor Champions Trophy performance.
Team management might want to test new talent for future tournaments.
Some players might need rest due to workload concerns.

What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?

Pakistan’s selectors and management now face a critical decision. They need to:

Rebuild the squad with fresh talent.
Address batting and bowling weaknesses before major tournaments.
Ensure a strong team combination for the upcoming T20 and ODI World Cups.

Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand could mark a new era for the team. With senior players likely missing, the focus will be on developing young talent. Fans and analysts will be keen to see how the team performs as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026.