Pakistan has announced new ODI and T20I squads for the New Zealand series, appointing Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain and retaining Mohammad Rizwan for ODIs. The squad features three uncapped players and a focus on performers from domestic cricket. The team will be guided by interim head coach Aqib Javed.
Pakistan has announced its ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, following a disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the T20I captain, while Mohammad Rizwan continues to lead the team in ODIs. Salman will also serve as vice-captain for the ODI squad.
The selectors have acknowledged domestic cricket performances by including three uncapped players in the T20I squad: Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali. The ODI squad includes Akif Javed despite the absence of openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who are sidelined due to injuries. Fakhar is healing from a muscle sprain, and Saim is recovering from an ankle fracture.
Aqib Javed will act as the head coach for this tour, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seeking a permanent head coach to finalize shortly after the New Zealand series. Additionally, Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach for the tour.
The teams are as follows: In the T20I squad, Salman Ali Agha captains alongside vice-captain Shadab Khan and other players including Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed. The ODI team features Mohammad Rizwan as captain, Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain, and includes key players like Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, and Naseem Shah.
The player support personnel consists of team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, interim head coach Aqib Javed, and various other coaching and medical staff, ensuring comprehensive support for the players during the tour.
The schedule for the New Zealand tour includes five T20Is commencing on March 16 and three ODIs starting from March 29, with matches held across several venues such as Hagley Oval and Eden Park.
In summary, Pakistan’s cricket team has undergone a strategic shift by appointing Salman Ali Agha as the T20I captain while retaining Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain. The squad selections highlight promising domestic talents and the continuation of a strong support staff. The upcoming series in New Zealand is crucial for the team’s recovery and future prospects.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
