Pakistan Drops Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan from T20I Squad for New Zealand Tour

Pakistan's cricket team announced significant changes ahead of their tour of New Zealand, starting March 16, with captain Mohammad Rizwan and star batter Babar Azam being dropped from the T20I squad. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new T20I captain, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain, while Rizwan retains his role as captain for the ODI series commencing March 29. The decision follows Pakistan's disappointing performance in the recent ICC Champions Trophy, prompting selectors to infuse new talent into the team. Interim head coach Aqib Javed emphasized the need for a shift in mindset to adopt a more aggressive T20 approach, highlighting the inclusion of several domestic performers. Injuries to key players, including openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, have also influenced squad selections. The T20I series will consist of five matches, alongside three ODIs against New Zealand.