After Tests, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi to be dropped from Pakistan's White-Ball squads
Published - 20 Oct 2024, 01:00 PM | Updated - 20 Oct 2024, 01:02 PM
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The Pakistan men's cricket team selectors are considering making major changes to the side for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe. Senior players such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi are expected to be rested during this tour, according to the latest news reports from Pakistan.
This decision came after Pakistan's victory during the second Test of the ongoing series against England at home. The Men in Green, led by Shan Masood, ended their Test match drought with a win at home. Notably, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah were rested from the second and third Tests.
Babar Azam Among Senior Players to Be Rested for Zimbabwe Tour
According to Cricket Pakistan, the selection committee is considering resting 4 to 5 key players for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. The selection committee would give younger players a chance to gain experience in the international arena.
"Sources indicate that the selection committee is contemplating leaving out 4 to 5 key players to provide younger talent with the opportunity to gain experience in foreign conditions," reported Cricket Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed the new selection committee after the defeat during the series opener. The new selection committee excluded notable players for the remainder of the series. Pakistan will take on England in the third and final Test match in Rawalpindi from October 24 to 28.
Pakistan To Field Inexperienced Squad Against Zimbabwe
The report also added that the Pakistan Cricket Board will finalize decisions on which players will be rested during an upcoming meeting on Sunday. The PCB remains hopeful that giving younger players a chance will be beneficial for the future.
"The final decision on the rested players will be made in a meeting scheduled for Sunday. If the plans go ahead, it could mean that Pakistan will field a relatively inexperienced squad against Zimbabwe. However, the PCB is optimistic that this approach will pay dividends in the long run," added Cricket Pakistan.
PCB Has Given Rest To Refresh - Babar Azam's father
Babar Azam's father, Azam Siddique, expressed his support for his son on social media during a challenging period. In his Instagram post, Siddique opened up about the rumors regarding Babar's removal from the national team. He mentioned that the PCB has given Babar a break to refresh.
"My days are passing by because of your servitude. There is no complaint of friends, no complaint, O time. Insha Allah, soon Babar will be seen playing in front of you. PCB has given rest to refresh. We were satisfied with the pleasure of Allah and always will. Pakistan will live long," Azam Siddique wrote.
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Babar Azam, Shaheen, and Naseem are set to make a comeback for the series against Australia. Mohammad Rizwan is likely to lead the team. Babar, who has faced criticism for the team's poor performance in this year's T20 World Cup, will focus solely on his batting after stepping down from the captaincy.
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Babar Azam Shaheen Afridi Pakistan National Cricket Team Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Pakistan vs Zimbabwe PAK vs ZIM Pakistan Cricket Board