Babar Azam has been dropped from Pakistan's T20I squad (Source:@grassrootscric/X.com)
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the T20I and ODI squad for the tour of New Zealand and after the debacle of Champions Trophy, they have made some big changes. The changes shows that selectors want to go with a young T20I squad which is in line with the modern-day cricket while the ODI side also sees some big exclusions.
So, with plenty of changes and crucial decisions from PCB, let's see the three big changes in Pakistan's squad for the all-important New Zealand tour.
1. Mohammed Rizwan Dropped; Salman Ali Agha Named Captain In T20Is
The biggest change in Pakistan's T20I squad is the appointment of the new full-time captain. Salman Ali Agha was the vice-captain of the T20I side before, but has now been promoted and Rizwan who captained them in the Australia and South Africa series, has been dropped. Pakistan did not won a single game under Mohammad Rizwan's captaincy in T20Is in the four games he led them.
Mohammed Rizwan in T20Is (2024)
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Innings | 20 |
| Runs | 617 |
| Strike-Rate | 117.28 |
Mohammad Rizwan's strike-rate has been a big issue in the shortest format for quite a long time now, and it played a big part in his omission. In 2024, Mohammad Rizwan scored 617 runs in 20 innings at an average of 41.13, but the strike-rate was just 117. 28 and it does not align with the modern-day style of play which Pakistan desperately need to adapt.
2. Babar Azam Excluded From T20Is; Shaheen Afridi From ODIs
The former skipper and one of the most celebrated batters in Pakistan, Babar Azam has also been excluded from T20Is. His strike-rate has also been a matter of big debates, and though he scored his T20I runs at a strike rate of 133.21 in 2024, Pakistan selectors have decided to back power-hitters in their new T20I squad. The likes of Mohammad Haris, Omair Bin Yousaf, Usman Khan all can start going after the bowlers from the onset and it is the brand of cricket Pakistan are likely to persist with.
Babar Azam's Strike Rate In T20Is
| Year | Strike-Rate |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 127.58 |
| 2022 | 123.32 |
| 2023 | 146.06 |
| 2024 | 133.21 |
Shaheen Afridi's Bowling In ODIs (2025)
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 5 |
| Wickets | 8 |
| Average | 42.62 |
| Economy Rate | 7.25 |
In the ODI squad, Shaheen Afridi has not been selected after his mediocre performance in the Champions Trophy and tri-series. In the five matches in 2025, he picked eight wickets and was very expensive in the death overs, giving away his runs at an economy rate of 7.25. Thus, the selectors have opted to try out other pacers like Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr in the New Zealand ODI series.
3. Shadab Khan Back In The Team As Vice-Captain
Another big change is the appointment of Shadab Khan as the vice-captain of the T20I side. He was not part of the scheme of things of Pakistan cricket and last played a match for Men in Green in July 2024. However, Pakistan selectors have directly made him the vice-captain of the side now and it is a classic example of uncertain nature of Pakistan cricket.
Shadab Khan In PSL
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Batting Strike-Rate | 139.32 |
| Wickets | 91 |
Shadab Khan has developed himself as an all-rounder in the recent past and has a good T20I record. However, Pakistan would be hoping that he does in the national what he does for Islamabad United as captain and as an all-rounder. Shadab took Islamabad United to the PSL 2024 title, while he has eight fifties and 91 wickets in 84 matches of the league.
Thus, it seems to be a promising decision, but a bold and a big decision which can be criticised if Shadab Khan fails to deliver.
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