PCB to Rest Star Duo for Zimbabwe Series

The newly revamped Pakistan cricket selection committee is reportedly planning a major overhaul for the upcoming white-ball tour of Zimbabwe, with some of the team’s biggest stars, including Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, likely to be rested.

The move is seen as a part of a broader strategy to give younger players valuable experience in international conditions.

This comes ahead of a busy schedule for Pakistan, which includes a crucial white-ball series against Australia in November, followed by the tour of Zimbabwe.

Although Babar and Shaheen are expected to be part of the team heading for Australia, the two are likely to ride the bench once again for the 3 T20I and 3 ODI series against the African nation. The duo was dropped, along with Naseem Shah, for the remainder of the test series against England after underwhelming performances in the first test.

Sources suggest that the selection committee is mulling over resting 4 to 5 key players, aiming to provide fresh talent an opportunity to step up in the absence of senior figures.

A final decision on the rested players was expected to take place over the weekend, and if the plan is approved, Pakistan could field a relatively inexperienced squad against Zimbabwe. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains confident that this approach will foster long-term success as younger players seize the chance to prove themselves on the international stage.

Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe will begin on November 24th.