PAK vs NZ: Resting Babar Azam-Mohammad Rizwan In New Zealand T20Is? Kamran Akram Clears Rumours

Kamran Akmal, the selection committee consultant of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has spoken about the rumours of resting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the forthcoming T20I series against New Zealand.

Earlier, there were rumours that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan might be rested during the series. Pakistan is set to tour New Zealand for a five-match T20I series. Pakistan’s new skipper Shaheen Afridi will lead the T20I side for the first time during the PAK vs NZ T20I series.

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are both part of the Pakistan squad against New Zealand. Notably, both are the current set of openers for Pakistan in the shortest format. They have managed the top order in the shortest formats for a few years.

However, there were rumours that they might be rested during the matches for the forthcoming T20I series against New Zealand. There were also rumours that Saim Ayub might replace Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan in the opening slot during the series.

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No one Talked About Resting Babar Azam Or Mohammad Rizwan: Kamran Akmal

However, PCB selection committee consultant Kamran Akmal rubbished such rumours while speaking to a local Pakistani TV channel. Akmal pointed out that Pakistan is not touring Nepal where senior players like Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan will be rested.

“No one from team management or selection committee talked about giving rest to Babar and Rizwan during New Zealand series. Pakistan is going to New Zealand, not Nepal, where senior players can be rested. No one can think like that,” Kamran Akmal said.

The NZ vs PAK T20I series will commence on January 12 with the 1st T20I. The series will witness the 5th and final match on January 21. The series consists of only the T20I matches.

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Kamran Akram Backs Shan Masood Over Captaincy

Pakistan recently lost the opening Test match to Australia by a huge margin of 360 runs. Shan Masood is the new skipper of the Pakistan team. However, he faced a big setback in his first outing as a skipper. Kamran Akmal feels that Shan Masood will learn and improve in the forthcoming months.

“Anyone given the responsibility of leadership or coaching should be given six to eight months, and after that, an assessment should be made”, Akmal said.

Australia piled up a gigantic total of 487 in 1st innings against Pakistan in the 1st Test. Later, they bowled out Pakistan at 271. Declaring the 2nd innings at 233/5, Australia set up a mountainous target of 450 for Pakistan. However, the visitors were bowled out for 89 in the final innings, losing by 360 runs.

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AUS vs PAK 2nd Test will commence on December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. The series comprises three games. The final encounter will start on January 3 at Sydney Cricket Ground.