Pakistan has dropped captains Rizwan and Babar from the T20 squad for the series against New Zealand, opting for Salman Ali Agha as captain instead. Rizwan will lead the ODI squad, also including Babar. Recent poor performances in the Champions Trophy prompted significant changes, including the introduction of uncapped players to foster a more aggressive playing style under coach Aaqib Javed. The T20 series begins on March 16, and the ODIs start on March 29.
Pakistan has made significant changes to its T20 squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, dropping former captains Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Salman Ali Agha will take the helm as captain, supported by vice-captain Shadab Khan. Agha previously led the team to a T20 series victory against Zimbabwe, showcasing promising leadership skills.
Despite the changes in the T20 team, Rizwan retains his position as captain for the three ODIs starting on March 29, alongside Babar Azam. However, the selectors have revised the ODI squad significantly after Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy, where they ranked fourth in their group.
Fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi are included in the T20 squad but will not feature in the ODIs. Top-order batsmen Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel have also been dropped. Conversely, opener Abdullah Shafique, previously omitted due to poor performance, has been recalled for his second chance.
Interim head coach Aaqib Javed expressed the need for Pakistan to adopt a more aggressive T20 approach, recognizing the modern game’s high scoring potential. He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the first six overs for maximum impact. Javed’s contract, initially set to conclude with the Champions Trophy, will continue while the PCB searches for a permanent head coach.
The T20 squad features uncapped players Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali. Samad has demonstrated solid performance in domestic matches, while Nawaz was the second-highest run-scorer in a recent tournament. Ali was impressive in the bowling charts, further diversifying the squad’s potential for the T20 series against New Zealand.
In summary, the Pakistan cricket team is undergoing a strategic overhaul for its T20 series against New Zealand, with key veterans dropped in favor of fresh talent to foster a more dynamic playing style. Coach Aaqib Javed advocates for aggressive play, reflecting an adaptation to current trends in T20 cricket. The exciting inclusion of uncapped players and the retention of seasoned leaders in ODIs signal a dual approach to revitalize the team’s performance moving forward.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
