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Big changes are coming for Pakistan cricket! With the five-match T20I series against New Zealand around the corner, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly planning a massive squad revamp.
Senior players are likely to be rested, a new captain is set to take charge, and some fresh faces could get their chance to shine.
Shadab Khan Likely to Lead a Young Squad
One of the biggest changes is at the top—Shadab Khan is expected to captain the T20I side in New Zealand. If reports are to be believed, regular white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, along with Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, and Naseem Shah, will be given a break.
Shadab, who last played in the T20 World Cup against Ireland in June 2024, now has a golden opportunity to prove his leadership skills. With the T20 World Cup 2026 not too far away, this series could be his chance to make a strong case for a permanent leadership role.
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Fresh Faces and Domestic Stars in the Mix
Pakistan’s squad for this tour looks completely different from what fans are used to. The PCB is reportedly giving domestic performers a shot, and some young names have made it to the squad. Players like Mohammad Haris, Sufiyan Muqeem, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Hassan Nawaz are among those expected to feature.
With Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the pace attack, Pakistan will still have firepower, but it’ll be interesting to see how the young guns step up.
Changes in the Coaching Staff
It’s not just the squad—Pakistan’s coaching staff is also undergoing changes. Former pacer Aqib Javed is likely to continue as interim head coach, as PCB hasn’t had time to start the recruitment process for a permanent coach.
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Meanwhile, former captain Mohammad Yousuf is expected to replace Shahid Aslam as batting coach. Azhar Mahmood and Muhammad Masroor, however, are set to retain their roles as bowling and fielding coaches, respectively.
What This Means for Pakistan Cricket?
This New Zealand tour seems to be a testing ground for Pakistan. The PCB is clearly looking ahead, trying to build a strong bench by giving younger players international exposure. But will this gamble pay off? Can these fresh faces deliver in tough New Zealand conditions?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—Pakistan cricket is heading into a new phase, and this series could be the start of something big.
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