Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan dropped from New Zealand tour as Pakistan announces new captain

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has suggested a few young players who should be considered for selection before Pakistan's white-ball series in New Zealand.

With senior players facing criticism especially after Pakistan, despite being the host nation, became the first team to be knocked out Latif took to X (formerly Twitter) to suggest a list of players who should be picked for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.

He thinks players like Hassan Nawaz, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, and Muhammad Nafay should get a chance to be part of the squad.

"For New Zealand T20 squad new players under consideration - Hassan Nawaz, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, and Muhammad Nafay," Latif wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

He also said that all-rounder Shadab Khan is the most likely player to captain the T20 team.

The former wicketkeeper-batter also mentioned several other players who could be part of the squad. These include Mohammad Haris, Sufyan Muqeem, Arafat Minhas, Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Khushdil Shah.

"Others probables - Shadab Khan probably Captain, Muhammad Haris, Sufyan Muqeem, Arafat Minhas, Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, Umair bin Yousuf, Khush Dil Shah."

For New Zealand T20 squad new players under consideration

Hassan Nawaz
Ali Raza
Abdul Samad
Akif javed
Muhammad Nafay

Others probables

Shadab khan probably Captain
Muhammad haris
Sufyan Muqeem
Arafat Minhas
Irfan khan Niazi
Zaman khan
Mohammad Wasim
Abbas Afridi…

— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) March 1, 2025

Pakistan had a tough tournament and couldn’t win any matches. Their last group-stage game against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi got canceled on Thursday because of rain.

Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan kicked off their tournament on February 19 in Karachi against New Zealand. Batting first, the Blackcaps put up a strong total of 320/5, thanks to brilliant centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham.

Pakistan's batting struggled in reply and was bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs. Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with a quick 69 off 49 balls, while Babar Azam played a slow knock of 64 from 90 deliveries.

Pakistan faced a must-win match against India, in Dubai. Their batting lineup struggled under pressure and could only put up 241 runs before getting bowled out in the final over. Saud Shakeel was the top scorer, fighting hard with a solid 62 off 76 balls.

India easily chased down the target of 242 runs, losing just four wickets and finishing the match with 45 balls to spare.

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