A Pakistan playing XI without Babar Azam is impossible, considering he is the team's best batter across the three formats. However, if reports are to be believed, Azam could be dropped from Pakistan's tour of New Zealand, which is scheduled to begin on March 16. Azam's exclusion from the team is due to his lack of runs in the Champions Trophy 2025, which eventually cost Pakistan a spot in the semis.
The Men in Green lost two games on the bounce against New Zealand and India, which resulted in them being the first team to get knocked out of the CT 2025. Azam faced a lot of criticism for his slow batting in the game against New Zealand in which he scored 64 runs off 90 balls. The former captain's intentless knock led to Pakistan not being able to chase down a target above 300. As per Cricket Pakistan, Azam is unlikely to be part of Pakistan's T20 squad for the tour.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
Pakistan will play eight white-ball matches—three T20Is and five ODIs. Apart from Azam, reports also mention that many senior players will be rested for the series. However, no final decision has been made regarding Azam's inclusion in the ODI side. The report also mentions that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to include young players in the T20 squad for the New Zealand tour.
Also Read: Ricky Ponting Picks His Winner For India vs Australia Champions Trophy Semi-Final
PCB contemplating to give chance to young players for Pakistan's tour of New Zealand
For the unversed, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Pakistan players who had performed pretty well in domestic cricket. The Men in Green will depart for New Zealand on March 12 and the T20I series will begin from Match 16.
