The PCB has announced squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours, reinstating Babar Azam in the ODI and T20I formats while excluding Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman. The announcement precedes an upcoming press conference where the new white-ball captain will be revealed. Key players returning include Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, with strategic adjustments made for the upcoming matches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the squads for the forthcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, confirming the re-selection of Babar Azam in the One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) formats. This comes in light of his previous exclusion from the last two Test matches against England, following a resignation from captaincy. Pakistan is set to participate in three ODIs and three T20Is against Australia, commencing on November 4, before proceeding to Zimbabwe for a six-match white-ball series starting November 24. Significant changes have been implemented in both the ODI and T20I squads, most notably with the omission of players such as Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman. In an official statement, the PCB has not announced a new captain for the white-ball formats, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi slated to unveil this decision during a press conference in Lahore at 3:30 PM local time on Sunday. The PCB’s statement highlighted the return of key players, stating: “Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who were given a break from the last two Tests against England, return for the Australia matches but will be rested for the Zimbabwe tour.” Additionally, it was mentioned that “Mohammad Rizwan will be available for the Australia matches and Zimbabwe ODIs, but will be rested from the Zimbabwe T20Is.” The detailed squads for both tours have been meticulously outlined, showcasing a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. Below are the confirmed squads: Pakistan ODI squad for Australia tour: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi. Pakistan T20I squad for Australia tour: Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan. Pakistan ODI squad for Zimbabwe tour: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir. Pakistan T20I squad for Zimbabwe tour: Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan.
The article covers the recent announcement by the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding the national cricket team’s squads for their upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. This is significant as it marks Babar Azam’s return to the ODI and T20I squads after being dropped previously. The selection process has seen notable exclusions, reflecting a broader strategic shift and preparation for international competitions. The announcement also includes a forthcoming media event anticipated to shed light on the new captain for the white-ball formats, indicating ongoing leadership developments within the team.
In conclusion, the PCB’s announcement of the squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours underscores a strategic restructuring of the team, with Babar Azam’s re-inclusion being a pivotal point for the upcoming series. The absence of seasoned players like Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman indicates a shift in focus towards a new generation of players. Furthermore, the anticipated announcement of a new white-ball captain suggests significant changes in leadership roles within the Pakistan cricket setup. It will be essential for the team to perform well in these tours to re-establish their position in international cricket.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
