In a surprising turn of events, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been dropped from the national squads for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. This decision comes as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new selection strategy, which focuses on player rotation and nurturing domestic talent in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy and other future tournaments.
Key Players Omitted
Babar Azam is not alone in his omission; several prominent players, including pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, will also miss the Zimbabwe series. Additionally, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan will only participate in the ODI leg of the tour, skipping the T20I matches. This reshuffling indicates a shift towards developing new players while maintaining a competitive edge.
New Faces in the Squad
The PCB has introduced a host of fresh talent to the squads, with Arafat Minhas, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Faisal Akram, Ahmed Daniyal, and Jahandad Khan earning their spots. Notably, pacer Mohammad Hasnain is making a return to the ODI squad after a hiatus of over 1.5 years, following an impressive performance in the Champions Cup where he claimed 17 wickets.
PCB’s Selection Strategy
In a recent statement, the PCB emphasized that this selection approach aligns with their strategy for future international competitions, particularly the ICC Champions Trophy. The board stated, “This approach follows the selectors’ rotation policy and provides opportunities to domestic performers.” This indicates a commitment to fostering new talent while preparing the team for upcoming challenges.
Changes in Player Categories
In a surprising move, the PCB has also demoted Shaheen Afridi from Category B to Category A, reflecting a shift in player evaluation. Other senior players, such as Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Osama Mir, have not been offered contracts, signifying a significant transformation in the team’s structure.
Pakistan’s T20 Squad for Zimbabwe Series
The T20 squad features:
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Arafat Minhas
- Haris Rauf
- Haseebullah (wk)
- Jahandad Khan
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Omair bin Yousuf
- Qasim Akram
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sufyan Muqeem
- Tayyab Tahir
- Usman Khan
Pakistan’s ODI Squad for Zimbabwe Series
The ODI squad includes:
- 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
Conclusion
The omission of Babar Azam and other key players marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan cricket as the PCB aims to build a resilient team for the future. By integrating young talent and implementing a rotation policy, the PCB is laying the groundwork for a competitive squad heading into significant tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this strategy unfolds in the coming months.
