Salman Agha has been appointed as the T20I captain for Pakistan’s upcoming series against New Zealand, succeeding Mohammad Rizwan. Significant changes to the team include dropping seniors Babar Azam and Rizwan, indicating a strategic shift for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup preparations. Shadab Khan returns as vice-captain, while only Shaheen Afridi is excluded from the ODI squad.
The Pakistan cricket team has appointed Salman Agha as the new captain for their T20I squad ahead of the series against New Zealand. This change follows a disappointing performance during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy held in Pakistan, where the team suffered defeats in all four T20I matches under the previous captain, Mohammad Rizwan, who will continue to lead the ODI format.
Several significant changes have been made to the T20I setup, including the dropping of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This strategy shift aligns with Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, indicating a desire to rejuvenate the squad and incorporate new talent. In contrast, the ODI squad only saw the exclusion of Shaheen Afridi, maintaining a relatively stable lineup.
Shadab Khan has been reinstated as the vice-captain for the T20I team, with Mohammad Haris also returning to the lineup after a considerable absence. Saim Ayub will not participate due to an ankle injury sustained in South Africa. The selectors introduced fresh faces to the batting roster, featuring wicketkeeper Hasan Nawaz and powerful hitter Abdul Samad.
The bowling structure for the T20I series against New Zealand has largely remained intact, with senior pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf retaining their positions. Alongside them, Sufiyaan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed have been added to the bowling contingent. Khushdil Shah makes the team, while Naseem Shah has been excluded from this squad.
The T20I matches against New Zealand will consist of five games, followed by a three-match ODI series. The complete 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, and Usman Khan. Meanwhile, the ODI squad features 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, and Tayyab Tahir.
In conclusion, Salman Agha’s appointment as T20I captain marks a strategic overhaul in Pakistan cricket, emphasizing the integration of new talent ahead of the T20 World Cup. The removal of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan reflects a bold decision by selectors aiming for a renewed team performance. The upcoming series against New Zealand will serve as a significant test for the revamped squad.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
