PAK vs NZ: PCB To Demote Babar Azam In T20Is; Mohammad Rizwan Battles To Retain Spot - Reports

Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is unlikely to open in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. The first T20I in Auckland will be played on January 12 kicking off a five-match series. Pakistan are likely to play 16 T20Is in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. 

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board is planning to feature a new opening combination for the team in the first T20I. Saim Ayub will open the batting alongside Mohammad Rizwan. Reportedly, Mohammad Hafeez had received the order from Zaka Ashraf and he told Mohammad Rizwan that he would not open the innings in T20Is. However, Rizwan managed to convince Hafeez to let him open in T20Is.

This will then see Babar Azam batting at three followed by Fakhar Zaman at number four. As of now, Azam Khan is seen as a number five option followed by Iftikhar Ahmed at number six. However, that might change depending on the match situation. Aamer Jamal who batted brilliantly in the final Test against Australia might bat at seven followed by the four specialist bowlers to complete the lineup. 

The PCB wanted Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub to open the innings in T20I series in New Zealand. It was decided to change Babar Azam and M Rizwan’s partnership due to low strike-rate, but Rizwan is now likely to keep his place as opener ✅

– via Qadir Khawaja/Ejaz Bakhri #NZvsPAK

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 9, 2024

Interestingly, Mohammad Rizwan was chosen as the vice-captain for this T20I series against New Zealand with Shaheen Afridi leading the sie. Pakistan’s poor performance in the ICC World Cup 2023 saw the PCB administration go through a few changes. 

Babar Azam Unlikely To Open For Pakistan In T20Is

Babar Azam will no longer be opening the batting for Pakistan. He has been told by the team management that he would be batting down the order, while Mohammad Rizwan will open the batting with Saim Ayub in T20Is against New Zealand ✅

– via Ejaz Bakhri #NZvsPAK

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 9, 2024

Babar Azam stepped down as the Pakistan captain across formats after the World Cup. Pakistan’s performance in the tournament was reviewed by the PCB who then decided to change the entire coaching and administrative setup.

The PCB also changed with Mohammad Hafeez taking over the team director role from Mickey Arthur and former cricketer Wahab Riaz being appointed as the new PCB chief selector. Shaheen Afridi is the new T20I skipper who will be leading his team for the first time in T20Is. 

Also Read: NZ vs PAK: Abrar Ahmed Ruled Out Of New Zealand T20I Series

After Pakistan’s Test series loss to Australia, Hafeez, the Director of Pakistan Cricket spoke about an exchange program between the two nations. He spoke about the various squads from the national men’s and women’s teams visiting each other for practice games to get themselves adjusted to the playing conditions. 

“We had a meeting with the Cricket Australia Charman and CEO and they agree on an exchange program because we wanted to have more visiting teams from Pakistan U19, Pakistan A, Pakistan women’s team on a regular basis and vice versa. That will help both the teams in future and you will see very soon the documents will be signed” Hafeez said.

“The objective is all about that we come here on a regular basis and they come in Pakistan on a regular basis to develope the game within the two countries. Because we need to practice more in these conditions nd they need more practice in Asian conditions. This is a good moment for both both the boarscwho want to work with each other for the right vision” he further added.

Pakistan T20I Squad For New Zealand T20Is: Shaheen Afridi (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed (Withdrawn), Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Watch – Babar Azam Hits Saeed Ajmal In Nets; Video Goes Viral