Major Shake-Up in Pakistan’s T20 Team as New Leadership Takes Charge
In a bold and strategic move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has left out star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand, marking a significant shift in the team’s approach. The decision, announced by interim head coach Aaqib Javed, aims to introduce a fresh, aggressive playing style with an eye on major upcoming tournaments, including the T20 Asia Cup 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026.
New Leadership & Fresh Faces in the Squad
In a surprising change, Salman Ali Agha has been named captain, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain, signaling a new era in Pakistan’s T20 cricket. The squad also includes three uncapped players—Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali, emphasizing the PCB’s intent to give domestic performers a chance. Players like Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed have been rewarded for their consistent performances.
Javed stressed the need for a fearless, aggressive approach, aligning Pakistan’s strategy with modern T20 trends. “We need players who can dominate the first six overs and play aggressive cricket,” he stated during a press conference.
Key Exclusions & Selection Strategy
Apart from Babar and Rizwan, leg-spinner Usama Mir has also been left out due to fitness concerns. However, the pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf remains part of the T20 squad. Interestingly, both Shaheen and Haris have been excluded from the ODI squad, where Rizwan has been appointed captain.
This transformation follows Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, where they failed to advance past the group stage after losses to India and New Zealand.
Pakistan Squads for New Zealand Series
T20 Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan, Abbas Afridi, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan.
ODI Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir. (A wicketkeeper-batter will be added later.)
The upcoming T20 series against New Zealand, starting March 16, will serve as a crucial test for this revamped team, offering fans a glimpse into Pakistan’s new approach to international cricket.
