Pakistan’s cricket team is undergoing major changes as selectors drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20 squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. The move signals a shift towards aggressive cricket, with new players getting a chance to prove their skills.
New Leadership, Fresh Faces
Salman Ali Agha will lead the T20 squad, with Shadab Khan serving as vice-captain. Salman previously captained Pakistan in a 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe. His leadership, along with new additions, reflects Pakistan’s strategy to introduce fresh talent and build a dynamic team.
Selectors have rewarded several domestic performers, aiming to inject aggression and innovation into the T20 format. Fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi retained their spots in the shortest format but were dropped from the ODI squad.
ODI Squad Sees Major Changes
While Rizwan lost his T20 captaincy, he remains in charge of the ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand. Babar Azam, though excluded from the T20 team, secured a place in the ODI squad.
Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy led to several changes. Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel were left out, while Abdullah Shafique made a comeback. He had been sidelined from the Champions Trophy after struggling with form in South Africa, where he recorded three consecutive ducks.
Read: Mohsin Naqvi Meets Domestic Cricketers to Address Fitness
Injuries and Exclusions
Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub are recovering from injuries and were not considered for either format. Their absence created opportunities for young players eager to make an impact.
A New Approach to T20 Cricket
Interim head coach Aaqib Javed emphasized the need for Pakistan to adopt a more aggressive playing style. He pointed out that modern T20 cricket demands high-scoring games, with teams regularly posting totals above 200.
“We need to play fearless and aggressive cricket,” Javed stated. “That’s why we have brought in new players who can utilize the powerplay effectively and hit big shots.”
Looking Ahead
With a new T20 squad, Pakistan aims to compete with a more attacking mindset. The upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, starting March 16, will test the team’s new strategy. Meanwhile, the ODI squad will have a chance to redeem itself when the 50-over series begins on March 29.
These bold changes reflect Pakistan’s determination to rebuild after recent disappointments, setting the stage for an exciting phase in their cricket journey.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates