By Zainab Shafiq 
Pakistan’s cricket team is set for a significant shake-up ahead of their five-match T20I series against New Zealand, with senior players likely to be rested and a new captain expected to take charge. Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicate that a fresh approach is being adopted for the tour, which runs from March 16 to April 5.
Leadership Shuffle and Coaching Adjustments
With an eye on future tournaments, the PCB is reportedly looking to inject new energy into the squad by handing leadership responsibilities to all-rounder Shadab Khan. If confirmed, this would mark Shadab’s return to the captaincy role after last featuring in the ICC T20 World Cup last year.
The coaching setup is also undergoing modifications. Former pacer Aqib Javed is likely to continue as interim head coach, given the PCB’s limited time to initiate a formal hiring process. Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf is expected to replace Shahid Aslam as batting coach, while Azhar Mahmood and Muhammad Masroor are set to retain their roles as bowling and fielding coaches, respectively.
New Faces Set to Shine
A major squad overhaul is anticipated for the T20I series, with senior players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, and Naseem Shah likely to be rested. In their absence, the selectors are considering rewarding domestic performers and emerging talent with opportunities at the international level.
Expected call-ups include promising players like Mohammad Haris, Sufiyan Muqeem, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Jahandad Khan. Established names such as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will provide experience, while others, including Abrar Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Hussain Talat, will have a chance to prove their mettle on the international stage.
Strategic Experiment or Long-Term Vision?
With Pakistan’s white-ball cricket undergoing a transition, the PCB’s decision to test new players could be a strategic move to build squad depth ahead of upcoming global tournaments. Whether this temporary shift paves the way for long-term changes remains to be seen, but the tour against New Zealand promises to be a testing ground for Pakistan’s emerging stars.
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