Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Miss Out as Pakistan Announces Zimbabwe Tour Squad
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the squads for their upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe. Pakistan will play three ODIs, followed by three T20Is during this tour. However, the announcement has stirred discussions as the squad features some fresh faces while leaving out some big names.
Babar, Naseem, and Shaheen Rested
In a surprising move, star batter Babar Azam, along with pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, will not feature in the Zimbabwe series. The PCB clarified that these players are being rested as part of their rotation strategy. They will, however, be available for Pakistan’s crucial tour to Australia.
The PCB highlighted the importance of rotating players, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon. A spokesperson from the board explained that consistent domestic performers were rewarded with a chance to prove themselves on this tour.
“Selectors have recognised standout domestic performers for the two tours as part of their strategy to build towards the ICC Champions Trophy defence,” the PCB said in a statement.
“This approach follows the rotation policy, providing opportunities to domestic performers while keeping the team’s long-term goals in mind.”
PCB Under Pressure Amid Recent Criticism
The selection changes come at a time when the PCB is under scrutiny for the national team’s inconsistent form. Pakistan recently faced criticism for losing a two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. Although they began their series against England with a loss, the team bounced back remarkably to win the next two Tests, clinching the series.
Pakistan Squads for the Zimbabwe Tour
ODI Squad: 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
T20I Squad: 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
Read Original Content: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Miss Out as Pakistan Announces Zimbabwe Tour Squad
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