PCB Announces Pakistan’s Squads for Australia and Zimbabwe Tours; Babar Azam Returns with Major Changes

The PCB has revealed the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe, reinstating Babar Azam for both series following his removal from the Test squad against England. Significant changes included the exclusion of Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman. The new white-ball captain is to be announced at a press conference on Sunday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially unveiled the squads for the upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the national cricketing landscape. Babar Azam, who recently stepped down from his role as captain, has been reinstated to the teams for both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against Australia, despite his absence from the previous two Test matches against England. The tour of Australia will consist of three ODIs and three T20Is, commencing on November 4, followed by a white-ball series in Zimbabwe starting November 24. The PCB has made substantial revisions to its prior squads for ODIs and T20Is, notably excluding players such as Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman from both tours. Additionally, the PCB has yet to announce a new captain for the white-ball format. According to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the identity of the new captain will be disclosed during a press conference scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 PM local time (4:30 PM IST). The PCB stated, “Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who were provided a break during the last two Tests against England, are set to return for the upcoming matches in Australia but will be rested for the tour to Zimbabwe”. Similarly, Mohammad Rizwan is expected to participate in the ODIs and T20Is in Australia, but will take a break from the T20Is in Zimbabwe.

The announcement of the Pakistan cricket squads for the upcoming tours reflects ongoing adjustments within the national team, particularly following the resignation of Babar Azam as captain. The PCB’s strategy appears to incorporate both experienced players, such as Azam and Rizwan, alongside emerging talents. The significance of these tours lies in their contribution to building team chemistry and experiencing competitive cricket in varied environments, which is crucial ahead of significant international events. The subsequent absence of prominent players like Shadab Khan has raised questions regarding the future direction and composition of the team, especially with a new captain yet to be named. The upcoming matches serve not only as a test for the players but also as an opportunity for the PCB to gauge the effectiveness of its revised strategy.

In conclusion, the PCB’s announcement of the squads for the upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe is a pivotal step in reshaping the team following recent changes in leadership. The renewed inclusion of Babar Azam, alongside other key players, signals a blend of experience and youth as Pakistan prepares for the challenges ahead. Awaiting the announcement of the new white-ball captain, the forthcoming series will provide essential insights into the team’s competitive edge for future tournaments.

Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com