Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha in motion towards New Zealand within the opening match of ICC Champions Trophy at Nationwide Stadium , Karachi, February 19, 2024. — Reuters
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has determined to present alternative to the younger gamers within the upcoming T20 sequence towards New Zealand following poor efficiency of the nationwide crew within the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as per the sources.
Home cricketers have been requested to come back to Lahore for the choice technique of the T20 bout towards New Zealand, the sources stated.
Furthermore, a gathering between the younger cricketers and board officers is anticipated quickly, in line with the sources.
Notably, the nationwide crew is scheduled to go away for New Zealand on March 12, the place the primary part of the 5 T20I sequence will start from March 16.
This choice aligns with Pakistan’s long-term technique for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka.
In the meantime, former wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif advised an inventory of younger gamers who must be thought-about for the upcoming sequence.
His suggestions embody Hassan Nawaz, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad, Akif Javed and Muhammad Nafay.
Moreover, he believes all-rounder Shadab Khan is the main candidate to captain the T20I squad.
The wicketkeeper batter additionally talked about a number of different names for the possible squad, together with Muhammad Haris, Sufyan Muqeem, Arafat Minhas, Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf and Khushdil Shah.
Moreover, studies point out that a number of senior gamers are considering taking a break from worldwide cricket following their underwhelming performances within the Champions Trophy.
Key gamers equivalent to Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam are reportedly being mentioned in choice conferences, with some contemplating stepping again from the tour to keep away from the danger of being dropped.
As a consequence of the Pakistani aspect’s incompetent efficiency within the present Champions Trophy event, the brand new choice of choosing younger and new cricketers is being thought-about.
Of their three Champion Trophy matches, Pakistan confronted depressing defeats from New Zealand and India, whereas, their third match towards Bangladesh was hindered because of rain.
The host crew was formally out of the event after New Zealand outclassed Bangladesh within the group-stage conflict.
The Kiwis and the Indian crew have booked their spots for the semi-finals after profitable the primary two of their respective matches of the event.
