As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming limited-overs tour of New Zealand, discussions are underway regarding the leadership of the T20 International (T20I) squad. Notably, all-rounders Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha have emerged as the primary contenders for the captaincy role.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has shared his insights, predicting that Shadab Khan is likely to lead the T20I side against New Zealand. Latif’s anticipated squad comprises a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, including Mohammad Haris, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Khushdil Shah. He also mentioned that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might consider appointing Salman Ali Agha as captain to avoid potential controversies.
The PCB is expected to announce the official squad on March 4, during a media conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where interim head coach Aqib Javed will disclose the selected players. This announcement will be live-streamed on the PCB’s official YouTube and Facebook channels.
In related developments, reports suggest that senior players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, may be rested for the T20I series against New Zealand. This strategy aims to provide opportunities for emerging players and assess the team’s depth ahead of future competitions.
The forthcoming series against New Zealand presents a pivotal moment for Pakistan cricket, as the team seeks to balance experienced leadership with the infusion of new talent to enhance its competitive edge on the international stage.
