The national team’s squad for the tour of New Zealand will be announced today after a poor performance in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Consultations between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials and management have been completed, while the name of legendary cricketer Mohammad Yousuf is being considered to replace head coach Aqib Javed.
According to sources, Mohammad Rizwan will remain the captain in the ODIs, but preparations have been made to send several big names on leave. The names of Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan are also being circulated to take over the captaincy in the T20.
Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has summoned domestic cricket performers to Lahore for a meeting in connection with the tour of New Zealand, while reports have emerged that Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi will be rested.
The cricketers may withdraw from the series against New Zealand for rest even before being dropped due to poor performance.
It should be noted that the national team is scheduled to leave for New Zealand on March 12, where the first phase of the 5-match series will begin on March 16, followed by 3 ODIs.
Read more: ‘Time to say “goodbye” to the three fast bowlers’
Sources say that it has been decided to rely on young cricketers in the preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026.
