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'Definitely Rest Babar... Shaheen's Fit': New Head Coach Unravels Plans For NZ T20Is

Apparently, Babar will not play all the five T20I against NZ (x.com)Apparently, Babar will not play all the five T20I against NZ (x.com)

Newly appointed head coach of Pakistan Azhar Mahmood has disclosed the possibility of resting skipper Babar Azam during the upcoming five-match T20I series as part of the rotation policy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented new selection policies aimed at rotating established players to manage their workload and providing opportunities to less experienced yet promising players. This strategy aims to strengthen the team's bench ahead of the T20 World Cup, which is less than two months away.

Addressing the rotation policy for senior players, Azhar emphasized that Babar Azam could potentially be rested, depending on the circumstances. 

"We could definitely rest Babar, but it depends on the situation; anyone can be rested. However, we'll assess the conditions to determine our game plans," Azhar Mahmood told reporters during a press conference on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Azhar dismissed rumors of any injury to star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.

"Well Shaheen Afridi is completely fit. I have heard this news that he may skip the first two games against New Zealand. But this has come from the media and certainly not from us," he added.

The five-match T20I series is scheduled to commence on April 18 at Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, heralding Babar Azam's return as Pakistan's captain. 

With 3,698 runs in T20I cricket, Babar is third on the list of the highest run-scorers in the format and will look to add more to his tally.

Having captained Pakistan in 71 T20I matches, Babar has steered the team to victory in 42 instances. He stands just three wins away from breaking the record for the most wins as a T20I captain.