Salman Agha has been appointed captain of Pakistan’s T20I team, replacing Mohammad Rizwan after the team’s poor performance in the ICC Champions Trophy. The squad sees significant changes, with Babar Azam and Rizwan dropped, and Shadab Khan returning as vice-captain. Pakistan prepares for a T20I series against New Zealand and a subsequent ODI series.
Salman Agha has been appointed as the new captain of the Pakistan cricket team’s T20I squad ahead of their series against New Zealand. This decision follows Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy held domestically, where they did not secure a single win under the previous captain, Mohammad Rizwan, who will remain the ODI captain.
The selection committee has implemented significant changes to the T20I squad, which notably includes dropping experienced players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This shift reflects a strategic realignment as Pakistan plans for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. In contrast, the ODI team sees minimal adjustments, with Shaheen Afridi being the only senior player omitted.
Shadab Khan returns to the T20I setup as vice-captain, adding experience to the leadership group. Alongside him, Mohammad Haris makes a comeback to the national side. However, Saim Ayub is sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the South Africa series. Notably, new talents such as wicket-keeper Hasan Nawaz and power-hitter Abdul Samad have been introduced to the batting lineup.
The bowling lineup for the T20I series remains largely unchanged from the team’s recent matches against South Africa. Senior bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf retain their positions, with Sufiyaan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed also included. While Khushdil Shah is selected, Naseem Shah has been dropped. These alterations come in preparation for five T20Is against New Zealand, followed by three ODIs.
The following is an overview of the squads:
– T20I squad includes: Hassan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Haris, Abdul Samad, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Irfan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyaan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan.
– ODI squad comprises: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.
In summary, Salman Agha has been named the T20I captain of Pakistan as the team embarks on a new strategy following significant player changes. The absence of seasoned players Rizwan and Babar suggests a fresh direction for Pakistan cricket. As the T20Is against New Zealand approach, the team looks to blend experience with new talent.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
