Pakistan’s T20 squad has undergone major changes following a disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been dropped from the five-match T20 series against New Zealand.
In a surprising move, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new T20I captain, with all-rounder Shadab Khan named as his deputy. However, Rizwan retains his leadership role in the ODI squad, where selectors have made only minor adjustments despite the team’s struggles in the Champions Trophy.
Squad Changes and Injury Concerns
The ODI squad remains largely intact, with only a few exclusions. Babar Azam continues to be part of the 50-over format, but batters Saud Shakil and Kamran Ghulam have been left out. Additionally, fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have been dropped from the ODI lineup. Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, starting on March 16, includes five T20Is and three ODIs.
The team also faces injury setbacks, with key players ruled out. Promising opener Saim Ayub remains unavailable as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained during a Test series in South Africa. Fakhar Zaman, who recently rejoined the squad, is also sidelined due to an injury suffered in the Champions Trophy opener. His absence further weakens Pakistan’s batting options ahead of the crucial tour.
Pakistan’s Squads for New Zealand Tour
ODI Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.
T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem, Usman Khan.
With these squad changes, Pakistan looks to rebuild its T20 side and bounce back from the Champions Trophy disappointment. The upcoming New Zealand tour will be a critical test for the team as they experiment with a new leadership setup and fresh talent.
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