The PCB has announced the Pakistan squad for New Zealand tour in this month where Babar Azam and Rizwan have been rested for the short format.
Pakistan’s New Zealand tour will have five T20Is followed by three ODIs where Salman Ali Agha will be captaining the T20 side while Rizwan will continue to lead the ODI set-up.
Pakistan Cricket Board has made several changes after the Champions Trophy disappointment which includes the return of Shadab Khan also appointed as vice-captain and the awarding of the T20I captaincy to Salman.
According to a PCB release, Mohammad Haris will be returning after extended spell out of the national side. Hasan Nawaz who has played 21 T20Is has been included in the squad while big hitter Abdul Samad has been included after a impressive domestic T20 tournament.
🌟 Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Ali
Introducing the four uncapped players part of the team for the tour to New Zealand ▶️#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Hty2RcLTvX
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 4, 2025
Omair Yousuf also earned a call-up as Pakistan pivot sharply away from their experienced batters in the format.
However the side will be missing the services of openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub both sidelined due to injuries. Fakhar sustained a left lower intercostal muscle sprain during Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener match against New Zealand.
Meanwhile Saim Ayub is on his rehabilitation from a right ankle fracture sustained during the test against South Africa. However the sides are set to return to action during PSL 2025 starting in April.
Meanwhile Aqib Javed will continue his role as Pakistan’s interim head coach for the New Zealand tour, with the board searching for permanent take over.
Mohammad Yousuf has been named as the batting coach, to reinforce Pakistan’s focus on strengthening their batting line-up.
The T20I series will begin on March 16 and will be played until March 26. Meanwhile the ODI series will begin on March 29 and will continue to play until April 05.
Pakistan T20I squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan
Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim and Tayyab Tahir.
