PCB Announces Squads for Australia and Zimbabwe Tours; Babar and Afridi Return

Formerly omitted stars Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah reclaim their spots in Pakistan’s squads for ODIs and T20Is against Australia; however, they are rested for the Zimbabwe series. PCB has yet to announce a captain, though Mohammad Rizwan is a frontrunner. Significant omissions from the squad raise questions regarding selection criteria as Pakistan gears up for a busy schedule leading to the Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the return of several prominent players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, to the national squad for the upcoming series against Australia next month. These players had previously been omitted from the national team during the last two Test matches against England. They will participate in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against Australia, although they will be rested for the subsequent T20I series in Zimbabwe. The PCB has not yet named a captain; this announcement is expected to be made by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi at a press conference in Lahore later today. Mohammad Rizwan is being considered as a strong candidate to lead the national team in white-ball formats, but he will not participate in the T20Is against Zimbabwe. Salman Ali Agha, another potential captain, has been selected for both ODI and T20I squads for the tours. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are notable omissions from the squads, having missed out on central contracts, which typically influence team selection but do not always predict squad composition accurately. Conversely, Mohammad Hasnain, who did not secure a central contract, has been recognized for his outstanding performance in the Champions One-Day Cup and has been included in all four squads. Shadab Khan, previously a mainstay in the lineup, has been dropped from the squads. In his place, left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem will join the T20I teams traveling to Zimbabwe. Additionally, Qasim Akram, an off-spin bowling all-rounder, has been selected for the T20Is in Zimbabwe. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris has also not made the squads, while Haseebullah Khan, who played one T20I against New Zealand earlier this year, has been selected for all four series. Saim Ayub, noted for his T20 prowess, will not participate in the T20I series due to his recent underwhelming performances, although he has made the ODI squads. The series against Australia begins on November 4, marking Pakistan’s first ODI action since the World Cup in India a year prior. This series initiates a busy schedule leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy in February, which Pakistan is slated to host for the first time since the 1996 World Cup. Following the Australia tour, Pakistan will also participate in both formats against Zimbabwe and ODIs against South Africa, concluding with a tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa in Multan before the Champions Trophy.

The announced squad for the upcoming cricket tours is significant as it reflects the PCB’s strategic decisions on player selection and captaincy. This is especially relevant following a year marked by the World Cup and routine engagements, signifying Pakistan’s ongoing journey within international cricket. With an eye toward the ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB’s selections reveal not only individual player performances but also considerations for team dynamics and leadership roles.

In summary, the PCB’s recent squad announcements highlight the return of key players ahead of crucial international fixtures. The absence of certain players despite their previous central contracts raises questions about team selection criteria. The upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe represents a pivotal time for Pakistan, who aim to solidify their standing ahead of the Champions Trophy. Captaincy decisions, particularly regarding Mohammad Rizwan, remain a focal point as the team prepares for these significant encounters.

Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com