The Pakistan cricket team has arrived in Christchurch for a T20I series against New Zealand. This marks their first outing since failing to win a match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Salman Agha will lead the T20I squad, with key players missing. Aqib Javed continues as interim head coach while the team prepares for future international tournaments.
The Pakistan cricket team has arrived in Christchurch for their opening T20I match against New Zealand, scheduled for March 16. This tour includes five T20Is and three ODIs, marking their return to white-ball cricket following a disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In the tournament, Pakistan lost all matches, facing early elimination with defeats against New Zealand and India, alongside a rain-abandoned match against Bangladesh.
Salman Agha will lead the T20I squad, supported by vice-captain Shadab Khan. The team features three uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali, as established players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are unavailable. Rizwan will remain captain for the ODI matches set to take place from March 29 to April 5.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has clarified that Salman and Shadab’s appointments are strategic, anticipating future tournaments like the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Salman previously captained Pakistan in a T20I series against Zimbabwe, where they secured a 2-1 victory.
In preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan is planning to participate in a minimum of five T20Is during the ACC Asia Cup 2025 and additional series against several countries throughout 2025 and early 2026. Meanwhile, Rizwan will continue to lead the ODI side as they build for the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2027.
Aqib Javed is serving as the interim head coach for the New Zealand tour, with an ongoing search for a permanent head coach. Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach. The T20I squad includes notable players such as Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi, while the ODI squad features Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Imam-ul-Haq among others.
In summary, the Pakistan cricket team is entering a crucial rebuilding phase as they prepare for extensive upcoming tournaments following their disappointing ICC Champions Trophy performance. With new leadership and a blend of experienced and uncapped players, the team aims to strengthen its position in international cricket through upcoming series and tournaments. The interim coaching arrangements will also play a significant role in shaping the team’s direction.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
