The Pakistan Cricket Board has removed Mohammad Rizwan as T20I captain, appointing Salman Ali Agha to lead the squad in New Zealand. While Rizwan remains the ODI captain, Agha will be supported by vice-captain Shadab Khan. The changes are strategically made in light of future tournaments, aiming to revitalize the team ahead of major competitions.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed Mohammad Rizwan from his role as T20I captain, appointing Salman Ali Agha as his successor. Rizwan, who had been appointed last year, will still serve as the ODI captain, while Agha, previously Rizwan’s deputy, will lead the national team in the upcoming series against New Zealand, commencing soon.
Salman Ali Agha will captain the T20I team aided by Shadab Khan, who has been named vice-captain. The PCB’s decision is reportedly strategic, aimed at preparing the team for significant tournaments, including the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, Agha previously led Pakistan in a T20I series against Zimbabwe last year, securing a 2-1 victory.
Alongside Rizwan, prominent player Babar Azam has also been excluded from the T20I squad for the tour. During this series, Pakistan will introduce three uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali. Additionally, pre-existing injuries have ruled out Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub from selection for both T20I and ODI formats.
In summary, the PCB’s decision to alter the leadership of the T20I team reflects its commitment to enhancing performance in upcoming international tournaments. Salman Ali Agha’s appointment is intended to harness fresh energy and vision, while Mohammad Rizwan remains pivotal as the captain of the ODI format. Furthermore, the inclusion of new players and the leadership structure aims to strengthen the national team’s competitiveness. Upcoming matches against New Zealand, scheduled in March and April, will provide an immediate opportunity to evaluate the efficacy of this strategic shift.
Original Source: www.news18.com
