'We could definitely rest Babar' - Head coach Azhar Mahmood ahead of T20I series opener against New Zealand

Pakistan will be locking horns with New Zealand, as an intense five-match T20I series is slated to commence on Thursday, April 18, with matches to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. 

The standby head coach of Pakistan and former Pakistani all-rounder, hinted at the possibility of skipper Babar Azam not playing the entirety of the series, with him getting rested for a few games. It echoes the rotation policy wanting to be carried out by the Pakistan Cricket Board in order to manage the workload of players ahead of a jam-packed schedule in the months ahead.

“We could definitely rest Babar, but it depends on the situation, anyone can be rested. However, we’ll see according to the conditions what game plans we can come up with," Azhar said.

Also Read: Anticipated rain could hinder Pakistan-New Zealand T20I series

Azhar also touched upon the main objectives of the PCB - which were to create a structure, a game plan and give players clarity in their roles, which would in turn help with their refinement. Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan are set to play seven more T20Is after the five matches against the Black Caps - three against Ireland and four against England. Azhar also remarked on exploring the majorly untapped bench strength which the team possessed, so as to harness the superfluity of prospective talent, in order to build a strong squad for the upcoming mega event.

“In this time ahead of the World Cup, we are looking to create a structure, a game plan and give players clarity in their roles, which always help with improvement. We have a lot of young talent in the squad and we have to see them, to identify our bench strength. We will try to make use of it, the aim is to field the best XI when we play our first T20 World Cup game on June 6,” said Azhar.

Also Read: Lahore Commissioner assures top-notch security for New Zealand T20Is amid festival rush

I’m very satisfied with the squad, it covers almost all aspects of the game: Azhar

With left-armers Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim making their respective comebacks into the 17-member squad selected to face the Kiwis, Azhar was pretty confident about all facets of his squad, with him being quite sure of the all-rounders and the fast bowling department.

“I’m very satisfied with the squad, it covers almost all aspects of the game. It’s a balanced side, we have two all-rounders and the fast bowling lineup is also very strong," remarked Azhar.