Imam-ul-Haq's injury forces Babar Azam to continue as Pakistan's ODI opener; T20I comeback hopes dead

After suffering an embarrassing defeat in the T20I series, the Pakistan National Cricket Team faced yet another massive setback ahead of the three-match ODI series against the New Zealand National Cricket Team, starting on March 29 at McLean Park in Napier.

The Pakistan National Cricket Team managed to win only a single match, as the Black Caps sealed the five-match T20I series with a 4-1 margin. Now, both teams are gearing up to face each other in the three-match ODI series scheduled on March 29, April 2, and 5.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan out of Pakistan's T20I plans; Imam-ul-Haq injured ahead of New Zealand ODIs

Ahead of the three-match ODI series opener against the Black Caps, Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has reportedly suffered an injury during a practice session. With Imam ruled out, Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique are likely to open the innings in the first ODI against New Zealand.

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🚨IMAM UL HAQ INJURED DURING PRACTICE SESSION🚨

- Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique are likely to open in the 1st ODI against New Zealand. [Ejaz Wasim Bakhri] pic.twitter.com/h3xNTKyCdf

— Salman (@SalmanAsif2007) March 28, 2025

Meanwhile, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are not expected to make a comeback in the T20I squad. The Pakistani selectors have decided to stick with the young squad for the upcoming assignments, as they are focusing on grooming new talent for the future.

Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan are unlikely to make a comeback in the T20I squad.

- The selectors have decided to stick with the same young squad for the future series. Source (Ejaz Wasim Bakhri) pic.twitter.com/PEFGV0Y4u4

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) March 27, 2025

Pakistan National Cricket Team's hectic schedule set to begin after PSL 2025

Presently, the Pakistani players are gearing up for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. After the PSL 2025, the Men in Green will host Bangladesh in a three-match ODI and T20I series in May, followed by their white-ball tour of West Indies in July-August.

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They will play three ODIs and three T20Is in the West Indies. In August, the Men in Green will also play three T20Is against Afghanistan before the Asia Cup in September. They will host Ireland in a three-match ODI and T20I series before playing South Africa in a full-fledged series (2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is).

The Men in Green will also play three ODIs and three T20Is against Sri Lanka in November. With Pakistan’s schedule packed with T20Is, the national selectors aim to prepare the team for the next T20 World Cup in 2026, and in their planning, Babar and Rizwan don’t fit. It seems that the senior duo will now have to be fully focused on the ODI and Test cricket.

Sami Ul Hasan resigns as PCB's Director of Media and Communications

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced, on Friday, March 27, that Sami Ul Hasan has stepped down from his role as Director of Media and Communications. His responsibilities included managing digital media. Sami had informed the PCB back in December 2024 that he wanted to end his tenure after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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He had rejoined the PCB in March 2019 after working for 13 years with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai, where he served as Head of Media and Communications. Before his ICC stint, he was PCB’s General Manager of Media from 2002 to 2004.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed said in an official statement, “Sami has been an important member of the PCB’s executive team, bringing vast experience and expertise to the organization. His contributions in shaping modern communication strategies, strengthening media relations, and elevating the digital landscape have been invaluable. On behalf of the PCB, I extend our gratitude to Sami for his dedication and professionalism and wish him success in his future endeavors.”