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Pakistan cricket has undergone a leadership shift as Salman Ali Agha has been appointed the T20I captain, with Shadab Khan as his deputy. The decision comes ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled from March 16 to 26, 2025. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan will continue as the ODI captain, with Salman serving as his vice-captain for the three-match ODI series from March 29 to April 5.
Strategic Leadership Shift for Future Tournaments
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made these captaincy changes with an eye on the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Salman Ali Agha previously led Pakistan in a T20I series against Zimbabwe, securing a 2-1 victory. His appointment reflects PCB’s strategy to build a strong team for the future.
Pakistan’s Roadmap to the T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan’s journey toward the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 includes multiple T20I series:
- Asia Cup 2025 – Minimum of five matches
- West Indies (Away, July 2025) – Three T20Is
- Afghanistan (Home, August 2025) – Three T20Is
- Ireland (Home, September 2025) – Three T20Is
- South Africa (Home, September/October 2025) – Three T20Is
- Sri Lanka (Home, November 2025) – Three T20Is
- Australia (Home, January 2026) – Three T20Is
Pakistan’s Squads for New Zealand Tour
T20I Squad:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, and Usman Khan.
ODI Squad:
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir. (A wicketkeeper/batter will be added after the T20I series.)
New Faces and Key Absences
The T20I squad includes three uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali, while Akif Javed and Mohammad Ali are yet to debut in ODIs. These selections reward their stellar performances in the domestic Champions One-Day Cup and Champions T20 Cup:
- Abdul Samad – 115 runs (T20 Cup) at SR 166.67; 145 runs (One-Day Cup) at SR 122.88.
- Hasan Nawaz – 312 runs in T20 Cup at SR 142.47.
- Mohammad Ali – 22 wickets (T20 Cup), three wickets (One-Day Cup).
- Akif Javed – Seven wickets (One-Day Cup), 15 wickets (T20 Cup).
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub have been sidelined due to injuries but are expected to return for HBL PSL 10, beginning on April 11, 2025.
Coaching and Support Staff
Aqib Javed remains the interim head coach, extending his tenure beyond the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Additionally, Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed batting coach, strengthening the team’s preparation for the New Zealand series.
Support Staff:
- Head Coach: Aqib Javed (Interim)
- Batting Coach: Mohammad Yousuf
- Assistant Coach: Azhar Mahmood
- Fielding Coach: Mohammad Masroor
- Physiotherapist: Cliffe Deacon
- Strength & Conditioning Coach: Drikus Saiman
- Analyst: Talha Butt
- Security Manager: Irtiza Komail
- Team Doctor: Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai
- Media & Digital Manager: Syed Naeem Ahmad
Pakistan vs New Zealand Series Schedule
T20I Series:
- March 16 – 1st T20I, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- March 18 – 2nd T20I, University Oval, Dunedin
- March 21 – 3rd T20I, Eden Park, Auckland
- March 23 – 4th T20I, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
- March 26 – 5th T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington
ODI Series:
- March 29 – 1st ODI, McLean Park, Napier
- April 2 – 2nd ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton
- April 5 – 3rd ODI, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
FAQs
Why was Salman Ali Agha chosen as Pakistan’s T20I captain?
Salman was appointed to build a squad for future tournaments, including the T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.
Who is the new vice-captain for Pakistan’s T20I team?
Shadab Khan has been named vice-captain.
Will Mohammad Rizwan continue as ODI captain?
Rizwan remains the ODI captain, with Salman Ali Agha as his deputy.
Why were Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub not included in the squads?
Both players were not considered due to injuries but are expected to be fit for HBL PSL 10.
Who are the new players on the squad?
Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali are the uncapped players in the T20I squad.
What is Aqib Javed’s role in the team?
Aqib Javed remains interim head coach for the New Zealand tour.
When does the Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series start?
The first T20I will be played on March 16, 2025, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Who is Pakistan’s new batting coach?
Former cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach.
How is Pakistan preparing for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
Pakistan has scheduled multiple T20I series leading up to the tournament, including games against West Indies, Afghanistan, Ireland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
When does HBL PSL 10 start?
Read more: HBL PSL 10 is set to begin in Rawalpindi on April 11, 2025.
