The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have announced their squad for the upcoming white-ball tour to Zimbabwe, where the Men in Green will face the host nation in three ODIs followed by three T20I matches. This tour is an important part of Pakistan’s preparations as they aim to solidify their team dynamics and performance ahead of future international challenges. The tour begins on November 24 with three ODIs, followed by three T20Is, concluding on December 5. All matches will take place in Bulawayo.
Rested players and leadership changes: No Mohammad Rizwan in T20Is
A significant development from the squad announcement is the absence of ace batter Babar Azam, who has been rested alongside fellow stars Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. All three players are expected to return for the subsequent tour of Australia, allowing them to recharge ahead of that challenging series. Additionally, while Mohammad Rizwan will participate in the ODIs, he has been rested for the T20Is. Following Babar’s stepping down from the captaincy earlier this year, the PCB has yet to announce the new captain for the white-ball formats, adding an element of uncertainty to the squad dynamics.
Strategic selection based on domestic performance
The PCB emphasized that domestic performances played a crucial role in identifying players for the Zimbabwe tour. The board reiterated its commitment to a rotation policy, which aims to keep players fresh and give opportunities to those excelling in domestic cricket. “Selectors have recognized standout domestic performers for the two tours as part of their strategy to build towards the ICC Champions Trophy defense. This approach follows the selectors’ rotation policy and provides opportunities to domestic performers, aligning with the team’s strategy for the ICC Champions Trophy and beyond,” the PCB stated in a statement.
Also READ: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi return as Pakistan unveils their squads for the white-ball series against Australia
Response to recent criticism and Team performance
The PCB has faced significant criticism following the team’s recent performances, notably a two-Test series loss to Bangladesh and a disappointing start against England. Despite the early setbacks in England, where Babar, Naseem, and Shaheen were dropped after the first Test, the team managed to rally and win the last two matches of the series. This resilience showcases the potential of the newer squad members who have stepped up to the challenge.
Squad composition for ODIs and T20Is
The squad for the Zimbabwe series includes a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Ahmed Daniyal, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Tayyab Tahir, and Salman Ali Agha have been retained for both formats. In the ODI squad, they are joined by Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Shahnawaz Dahani. For the T20I matches, several players will be replaced by Arafat Minhas, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan. These changes reflect the selectors’ aim to maintain a competitive edge while ensuring fresh talent gets an opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage.
Pakistan squad for the Zimbabwe ODIs:
Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir
Pakistan squad for the Zimbabwe T20Is:
Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan
Also READ: Highest team totals in T20 Internationals feat. Zimbabwe
