Pakistan has replaced Mohammad Rizwan as T20I captain with Salman Ali Agha ahead of their New Zealand series. Rizwan retains the ODI captaincy, while Shadab Khan is the new vice-captain for T20Is. The selection for the New Zealand tour includes several uncapped players as the team prepares for major tournaments in the coming years.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan from his role as T20I captain, appointing Salman Ali Agha in his stead. Agha, who served as Rizwan’s deputy, will helm the T20 squad during the upcoming five-match series in New Zealand. Spin all-rounder Shadab Khan has been designated as vice-captain for this series, marking a significant leadership change in the Pakistan team.
Mohammad Rizwan continues in his capacity as captain of the One Day International (ODI) team, with Agha supporting him as vice-captain during the three ODIs. The PCB clarified that this leadership shift aims to prepare the team for forthcoming high-stakes tournaments, including the 2025 ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Agha has past experience as captain, having led the team in a victorious T20I series against Zimbabwe last year.
Rizwan’s departure as T20I captain comes alongside the exclusion of both him and Babar Azam from the T20I squad for the New Zealand tour. The selection features three uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali. Injuries have sidelined openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, preventing their inclusion in the squads.
Interim head coach Aqib Javed, initially appointed for the duration of the Champions Trophy 2025, has been asked to extend his contract while the PCB searches for a permanent head coach. The squads for the New Zealand tour have been officially finalized, with distinct compositions for both T20I and ODI formats.
In summary, PCB’s leadership reshuffle sees Salman Ali Agha taking over as T20I captain from Mohammad Rizwan, who will retain the ODI captaincy. This strategic move aims to bolster Pakistan’s performance for upcoming international tournaments. The New Zealand tour will feature new talents integrated into the squad, alongside established players still in prominent roles. The coaching situation remains transitional as the PCB seeks a permanent head coach.
Original Source: www.news18.com
