Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the national team of the next white ball series against New Zealand on Tuesday.
The series will showcase five international T20 (T20is) from March 16 to 26, followed by three international internationals (ODI) from March 29 to April 5.
The versatile Salman Ali Agha was appointed Captain T20i, with Shadab Khan as his assistant. Mohammad Rizwan will continue to direct the ODI side, Agha being vice-captain.
The PCB said that the appointments of Agha and Shadab were made in an eye on two major tournaments to come: the ACC Men Asia 2025 cup and the Male T20 World Cup ICC 2026.
Salman, who led Pakistan to a 2-1 series victory against Zimbabwe last year, will have another opportunity to prove himself as a captain.
Meanwhile, Rizwan will continue as Captain Odi as Pakistan will prepare for the Men’s Men’s Men’s Men’s Cup 2027, which should be organized by Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Pakistan Squad for New Zealand Series
Squad Odi: Muhammad Rizwan (C), Salman Ali Agha (VC), Abdullah Shafic, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-Ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah Tayyab Tahir.
Squad T20i: Salman Ali Agha (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan.
Pakistan’s Road to T20 World Cup 2026
As part of their preparations for the Male T20 World Cup of the ICC 2026, Pakistan will play at least five T20i games in the ACC Asia 2025 Cup.
In addition, they should face the Antilles (outside, July), Afghanistan (home, August), Ireland (home, September), South Africa (home, September-October), Sri Lanka (home, November) and Australia (Home, January 2026) in T20I series with three games.
With a mixture of experienced players and emerging talents, the New Zealand series will serve as a crucial test for Pakistan before the main international tournaments.