The PCB has named the national squads for the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand. Salman Ali Agha will captain the T20I team, while Mohammad Rizwan leads the ODI squad. The series aims to prepare the team for future tournaments including the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the national squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against New Zealand, starting later this month. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the captain for the T20I matches, with Shadab Khan serving as the vice-captain. The T20I series is scheduled from March 16 to March 26, while the ODI matches will take place from March 29 to April 5.
Mohammad Rizwan continues as the ODI captain, with Salman Agha as his deputy for the three 50-over matches. The leadership decisions are strategic, aimed at preparing for future tournaments, including the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Salman’s prior experience as a T20I captain, where he led Pakistan to a series victory against Zimbabwe, influenced this decision.
Pakistan aims to enhance its T20I performance leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by participating in several series, including T20Is against West Indies, Afghanistan, Ireland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan will lead the ODI team as they prepare for the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2027 scheduled in Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
The T20I squad includes several uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali. This selection recognizes their strong performances in recent domestic competitions. The ODI squad will have an additional wicketkeeper/batter added after the completion of the T20 series to bolster the team’s lineup.
The complete schedule for the New Zealand tour is as follows: The first T20I is on March 16 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, followed by matches in Dunedin, Auckland, Mount Maunganui, and Wellington. The first ODI is set for March 29 at McLean Park, Napier, with subsequent matches in Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.
In summary, the PCB has strategically appointed new captains ahead of the series against New Zealand to align with their goals for upcoming international tournaments. The squads feature several debutants, highlighting the PCB’s focus on nurturing new talent while preparing for the ICC tournaments ahead. The tour is anticipated to provide valuable experience to the squad, particularly the uncapped players.
Original Source: asianewsnetwork.net
