Salman Ali Agha and Muhammad Rizwan likely to lead Pakistan’s T20 and ODI squads in upcoming series
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The Pakistan Cricket Board men’s cricket team selectors are considering making major changes to the side for the upcoming series against Australia, and Zimbabwe.
Senior players such as Babar Azam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are expected to be rested during this tour.
Sources said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is considering appointing wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan as captain of the national ODI team and Salman Ali Agha as captain T20 team.
Head Coach Gary Kirsten has recommended the name of Rizwan, adding that selectors had thrown weight behind the decision.
It came after the PCB chief held a meeting with the selection committee and Mohammad Rizwan.
This meeting was convened to finalize player selection and discuss central contracts for the upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.
Key issues on the agenda were the selection of a new captain and the formation of the national team’s ODI and T20 squads.
The selection committee, featuring Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and Hasan Cheema, was joined by players Muhammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and assistant coach Azhar Mehmood.
The officials deliberated on several strategic decisions, including captaincy roles.
Following extensive discussions, sources indicated that Salman Ali Agha has been proposed as the new captain of the T20 squad, while Muhammad Rizwan is expected to lead the ODI team.
In addition, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, and Kamran Ghulam are anticipated to join the national team for the Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe tours.
Fast bowlers Naseem Shah, Muhammad Hasnain, and Abbas Afridi are also likely to make a return to the squad.
The star players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam are expected to rest for the Australia tour.
According to sources, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is set to make an official announcement in a press conference tomorrow afternoon, where he will reveal the final ODI and T20 squad selections and address key queries.
Reporter: Rozina Ali / Waseem Ahmad