Major Shake-Up In Pakistan Cricket - Babar And Afridi Removed

Salman Aga has been appointed as the T20 captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan, who has been left out of the T20 squad along with Babar Azam.

Salman Aga has been appointed as the T20 captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan, who has been left out of the T20 squad along with Babar Azam.

Source : PTI

Pakistan is set to play a five-match T20I series followed by three ODIs against New Zealand, marking a fresh start under new leadership. The Men in Green's white-ball tour of New Zealand is set to begin on March 16 and will continue until April 5.

Pakistan, on Tuesday (March 4), announced its squads for the ODI and T20 series against New Zealand, making major changes in leadership and selection.

Salman Aga has been appointed as the T20 captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan, who has been left out of the T20 squad along with Babar Azam.

Meanwhile, Rizwan will lead the ODI team, but Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had a poor Champions Trophy campaign, has been dropped from the ODI squad.

Major changes in Pakistan's T20 setup

After Pakistan's disappointing Champions Trophy performance, the team has undergone a leadership shake-up.

Salman Aga will now lead the T20 side, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain. The selectors have placed their faith in young players, excluding experienced names like Rizwan, Babar, and Naseem Shah from the T20 squad. Also, Haris Rauf has been left out of both the ODI and T20 squads.

🚨 Pakistan announce ODI and T20I squads for New Zealand tour 🚨@SalmanAliAgha1 appointed 🇵🇰 T20I captain 🌟#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/c8WWG6WDti

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 4, 2025

The T20I series against New Zealand is set to take place from March 16 to March 26, followed by a three-match ODI series from March 29 to April 5.

Agha Salman has been appointed as the T20 captain, with Shadab Khan as his deputy, as Pakistan looks to build a strong squad for two major upcoming tournaments—the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 (September 2025) and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup (February-March 2026).

Pakistan's tour of New Zealand schedule:

16 Mar – first T20I, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

18 Mar – second T20I, University Oval, Dunedin

21 Mar – third T20I, Eden Park, Auckland

23 Mar – fourth T20I, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

26 Mar – fifth T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington

29 Mar – first ODI, McLean Park, Napier

2 Apr – second ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton

5 Apr – third ODI, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui