Pakistan T20I Squad Revamped: Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan Dropped for New Zealand Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant changes to the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. In a bold move, the selectors have dropped senior players, including star batsman Babar Azam and current white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan. The decision comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where they were eliminated in the league stage.

Key Changes in Pakistan’s T20I Squad

Players Dropped:

1. Babar Azam – The most high-profile exclusion from the squad. The right-handed batsman has often faced criticism for his strike rate in T20Is, leading to his omission.
2. Mohammad Rizwan – The wicketkeeper-batsman, who was also the team’s white-ball captain, has been left out due to concerns over his slow scoring rate.
3. Saim Ayub – Not included in the squad due to injury.
4. Mohammad Hasnain – Dropped from the team after an underwhelming performance.
5. Tayyab Tahir – Also left out of the squad for the New Zealand series.

New Additions to the Squad:

1. Hasan Nawaz – The talented batsman earns his maiden call-up.
2. Abdul Samad – Included in the T20I squad to strengthen the middle order.
3. Khushdil Shah – Makes his comeback to the T20I setup.
4. Shadab Khan – Returns to the team as the vice-captain. He previously held this role and is expected to bring experience and leadership to the squad.
5. Mohammad Haris – The wicketkeeper-batsman is back in the T20I squad after playing 6 ODIs and 9 T20Is for Pakistan.

Leadership Change in T20I Format

With Mohammad Rizwan dropped, Salman Agha has been named the new T20I captain. The selectors are looking for a fresh approach, and Salman’s aggressive batting and leadership qualities have earned him the role.

New Zealand’s Squad for the Series

New Zealand will be missing several key players, as many of their first-choice stars are participating in IPL 2025. In the absence of Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell has been appointed as the stand-in captain. Santner was picked by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 auction for INR 2 crore after spending years with Chennai Super Kings.

Pakistan’s Tour of New Zealand – Schedule

Pakistan and New Zealand are set to clash in five T20Is and three ODIs. The first T20I will be played on March 16, 2025.