Pakistan Announces ODI and T20I Squads for New Zealand Tour
Pakistan has unveiled its squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against New Zealand. A major shake-up in the T20I team sees Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan dropped, with Salman Ali Agha named as the new captain. Shadab Khan has been appointed as the vice-captain.
- Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been excluded from the T20I squad.
- Salman Ali Agha will lead the T20I team.
- Shadab Khan will serve as the vice-captain.
- Young players like Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, and Abdul Samad have been included.
- The tour features five T20Is and three ODIs, beginning March 16.
Major Changes in T20I Squad
Pakistan has shifted its focus towards a more aggressive approach in T20 cricket. Critics have long debated the cautious batting style of Babar and Rizwan, which, while effective at times, was often considered unsuitable for fast-paced T20 cricket. This restructuring aims to strengthen the middle-order and power-hitting ability of the squad.
The selection committee has emphasized young talent, with Mohammad Haris returning and fresh faces like Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad earning call-ups. In contrast, the bowling attack remains largely unchanged, with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the pace unit.
ODI Squad Updates
The ODI team sees Mohammad Rizwan continuing as captain, with Babar Azam retaining his place. The squad features familiar faces but also welcomes left-arm pacer Akif Javed for the first time. Interestingly, Shaheen Afridi has been rested from ODIs.
Full Squads
Pakistan T20I Squad:
- Hasan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Haris, Abdul Samad
- Salman Ali Agha (C), Irfan Niazi, Khushdil Shah
- Shadab Khan (VC), Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Ali
- Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyaan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan
Pakistan ODI Squad:
- Mohammad Rizwan (C), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf
- Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyaan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir
Pakistan’s Tour of New Zealand Schedule
- March 16: 1st T20I
- March 18: 2nd T20I
- March 21: 3rd T20I
- March 24: 4th T20I
- March 26: 5th T20I
- March 29: 1st ODI
- April 1: 2nd ODI
- April 4: 3rd ODI
Pakistan’s Future Plans
The exclusion of Babar and Rizwan from T20Is signals a new direction for Pakistan’s white-ball cricket. The management is focusing on power-hitting and aggressive batting strategies, essential for modern-day T20 success. Their performances in this series will be crucial in shaping the team for future ICC tournaments.
With a fresh approach and new leadership, Pakistan aims to rebuild its T20I squad while maintaining consistency in ODIs. The series against New Zealand will be a real test for young players, and all eyes will be on Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy. Can this revamped team deliver results? The upcoming matches will provide the answer.