Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to make some series changes to the team heading for Australia for the highly-anticipated series.
In a bold move signaling the start of a new chapter for Pakistan cricket, Mohammad Rizwan is all set to be appointed the national team’s captain for the upcoming white-ball series. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, renowned for his consistency and fighting spirit, now takes on the mantle of leadership, succeeding Babar Azam in what is being seen as a significant shift in the team’s direction.
The move is set to bookend Rizwan’s journey from a solid domestic player to one of Pakistan’s most dependable international stars
Whether opening the innings in T20s or playing match-saving knocks in Tests, Rizwan has showcased his versatility repeatedly. His attitude epitomizes Pakistan’s fighting spirit, and as captain, he will now look to instill that same resilience in the next generation of cricketers.
He has already captained the international team on two occasions, both coming against New Zealand in Test matches in 2020 and 2021.
PCB is also expected to drop some big-name players to give newer faces a proving stage.
Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan are both expected to stay home as PCB’s new selection committee continues to assert its dominance over shaping the future of Pakistan cricket.
Shadab last played a 50-over game in 2023 while his last outing in the T20 format came against Ireland back in June. He has been active in the domestic scene, captaining his side to a win in the Champions Cup but has evidently failed to earn the trust of the selectors.
Iftikhar, meanwhile, has been in trouble with the PCB in recent times as well. The 34-year-old has not featured for Pakistan since the T20 World Cup match against India back in June of this year.
Fakhar Zaman is another player who will likely miss the Australia series for Pakistan as he is reportedly dealing with a fitness issue.