In a bold move following their underwhelming performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan has announced significant changes to their T20 squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand. Star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been dropped, signaling a shift in strategy as the team looks to rebuild.
### Leadership Changes and New Faces
Salman Ali Agha has been named the new T20I captain, with all-rounder Shadab Khan appointed as vice-captain. This marks a new era for Pakistan’s T20 side, as the selectors aim to inject fresh energy and adopt a more aggressive approach in the shortest format of the game. Despite being dropped from the T20 squad, Rizwan retains his captaincy role in the ODI format, where only minor adjustments have been made.
### Squad Adjustments and Injury Concerns
The ODI squad remains largely unchanged, with Babar Azam continuing to feature in the 50-over format. However, batters Saud Shakil and Kamran Ghulam, along with fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, have been excluded from the ODI lineup. The tour, which begins on March 16, includes five T20Is and three ODIs.
Injuries have also impacted the team selection. Promising opener Saim Ayub is unavailable due to an ankle injury sustained during a Test series in South Africa, while Fakhar Zaman is sidelined after suffering an injury in the Champions Trophy opener. These absences further challenge Pakistan’s batting depth ahead of the crucial series.
### Pakistan’s Squads for New Zealand Tour
*ODI Squad:*
– Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.
*T20I Squad:*
– Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem, Usman Khan.
### A Critical Test Ahead
The upcoming New Zealand tour presents a pivotal opportunity for Pakistan to bounce back from their Champions Trophy disappointment. With a revamped T20 squad and a new leadership structure, the team aims to rebuild and regain its competitive edge. The series will also serve as a platform to test emerging talent and refine strategies ahead of future international assignments.
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