Babar Azam rested for Zimbabwe series as PCB announces squads for multi-format tour

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently came forward and announced their squad for the white-ball tour to Zimbabwe. It is worth noting that the Men in Green will face Zimbabwe across three ODIs and will follow it up by taking on the side across three T20I matches. 

With the announcement of the squad, it was noticed that ace batter Babar Azam was rested for the Zimbabwe tour. Apart from Babar, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi have been rested for the Zimbabwe series as well. All three will be available for the Australia tour prior to the Zimbabwe series. 

The PCB came forward and talked about the squad selection, revealing that the domestic performances of the players have played a big role in selecting the squads, and players like Babar missing out comply with the board’s policy of regular rotations of players. 

“Selectors have recognised standout domestic performers for the two tours as part of their strategy to build towards the ICC Champions Trophy defence. This approach follows the selectors’ rotation policy and provides opportunities to domestic performers, aligning with the team’s strategy for the ICC Champions Trophy and beyond,” the board said in a statement.

The board has been handling severe criticism directed at them for the side’s recent performances. Recently, Pakistan lost a two-test series to Bangladesh in their own backyard and followed it up by losing the first Test of the three-game series against England. 

However, after the first England Test, Babar, Naseem, and Shaheen were dropped from the side, and some new names came into the mix. Much to the fans’ surprise, Pakistan ended up winning the Test series, defeating England in the last two matches

Also Read: PCB announces men's central contracts for 2024-25 season, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi retained

Pakistan ODI and T20I squads for Zimbabwe tour

ODI Squad: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir

T20I Squad: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir