Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has selected the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand without consulting the team captain Babar Azam.
The squad was reportedly finalized after consultation with consultant Mickey Arthur, while the skipper Babar Azam was performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
The series against New Zealand will comprise five T20 matches and five ODI matches, with the first T20 match scheduled to start from 14 April. Pakistan will be hoping to bounce back after suffering a whitewash in the T20 series against England earlier this year.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has also announced its squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan, with Tom Latham being appointed as the captain for the T20 series. Latham had previously led the team during the ODI series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, which they won 2-0.
NZC confirmed on their website that Pakistan’s former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq would join their team as a consultant for the Pakistan tour.
Gary Stead, the coach of New Zealand, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming series, citing their 2-1 victory in the ODI series against Pakistan in January. Nine out of the 15 members in the New Zealand squad have previously played in Pakistan, while Chad Bowes, Rachin Ravindra, and Henry Shipley are new to ODI cricket.
The selection of the Pakistan squad without the captain’s consultation has raised questions and concerns over the PCB’s decision-making process. It is important for the captain to have a say in the selection of the team, as they are responsible for leading the team on the field.
Babar Azam is considered one of the best batsmen in the world and has been in great form lately. He has been the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup and is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming series against New Zealand.
The PCB should ensure that the captain is consulted in the future regarding team selection, as it is essential for the success of the team. The captain knows the strengths and weaknesses of the team and can provide valuable insights into the selection process.
The upcoming series against New Zealand will be a challenging one for national team, as they will be facing a tough opponent. New Zealand is a well-balanced team with experienced players and promising young talent.
Team need to be at their best to compete with New Zealand and secure a series win. The team will need to work on their weaknesses and play to their strengths to defeat a tough opponent like New Zealand.
The inclusion of Imad Wasim and Ihsanullah in the Pakistan squad will strengthen the team’s batting and bowling lineups. Imad Wasim is a talented all-rounder and can contribute with both bat and ball. Ihsanullah is a promising young opener who can provide stability at the top of the order.
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The addition of foreign coaches Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick to the Pakistan squad will also provide valuable expertise and experience. Their knowledge of the game and their experience of coaching in different countries can help Pakistan prepare for the upcoming series.
Pakistan will need to perform at their best in all aspects of the game to secure a series win against New Zealand. The team will need to work on their fielding, batting, and bowling to compete with a tough opponent like New Zealand.
The selection of the Pakistan squad without consulting the captain has raised concerns over the PCB’s decision-making process. It is essential for the captain to have a say in the selection of the team as they are responsible for leading the team on the field. Pakistan will need to be at their best to compete with a strong New Zealand team and secure a series win.
