Babar Azam Dropped, Agha Salman Named Captain As Pakistan Reveal Squad For NZ T20Is

Babar Azam and Agha Salman [Source: AP]

In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a young 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. The Men in Green have appointed Agha Salman as their new captain in the shortest format. 

Babar Out; Multiple Changes In Pakistan's T20I Squad

The absence of several senior players, including Babar Azam, is a major highlight of the selection. Shadab Khan returns to the team as vice-captain, while ace speedster Shaheen Afridi maintains his place in the T20I setup. 

Babar Azam's poor recent form and strike rate woes are believed to be the reason behind his exclusion. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan loses his captaincy stint in T20Is following Pakistan's disastrous performance in the Champions Trophy. 

Several young players, especially Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz and Omair Bin Yousuf have been included in the squad, as Pakistan aim to build their core team for the T20 World Cup next year. 

Apart from Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali and Sufiyan Muqeem will spearhead Pakistan's bowling attack in the five-match T20I series. 

Pakistan's Squad For New Zealand T20Is

Salman Agha (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Irfan Khan, Omair Yousuf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan

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