Karachi, March 3, 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to make major changes to the national squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, including resting senior players and appointing a new captain, sources have revealed.
According to a private news channel, the PCB has finalized consultations regarding the white-ball squads for the New Zealand tour, scheduled from March 16 to April 5.
Former pacer Aqib Javed is expected to continue as the interim head coach, as the PCB has not yet initiated the recruitment process for a permanent appointment. Mohammad Yousuf is likely to replace Shahid Aslam as the batting coach. Azhar Mahmood (bowling coach) and Muhammad Masroor (fielding coach) are expected to retain their positions.
While Mohammad Rizwan will continue leading the ODI squad, the T20I squad is expected to see a major overhaul, with several senior players being rested.
Players likely to be rested include Mohammad Rizwan (white-ball captain), Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain) and Naseem Shah.
As a result, all-rounder Shadab Khan—who last played in June 2024 during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup—is expected to lead the side in the T20I series against New Zealand.
Pakistan’s likely T20I squad for New Zealand series
Shadab Khan (c), Mohammad Haris, Sufiyan Muqeem, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Khushdil Shah, Hassan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Haris Rauf, Usman Khan, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Ali.
