Pakistan Squad for New Zealand Tour 2025: Salman Ali Agha Named T20I Captain

Pakistan Names Squads for New Zealand Tour, Salman Ali Agha Appointed T20I Captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against New Zealand. In a significant leadership change, Salman Ali Agha has been named the captain of Pakistan’s T20I team, with Shadab Khan serving as his deputy. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan will continue leading the ODI side as Pakistan gears up for a crucial phase in white-ball cricket.

With a mix of experienced players and fresh faces, the squad selection reflects Pakistan’s long-term vision, keeping in mind major upcoming tournaments such as the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tour, set to commence on March 16, will feature five T20Is and three ODIs, culminating on April 5.

A New Leadership Era in Pakistan T20 Cricket

The decision to hand over the T20I captaincy to Salman Ali Agha signifies a new direction for Pakistan’s shortest format team. The middle-order batter previously led Pakistan to a 2-1 series win over Zimbabwe and has now been entrusted with a larger responsibility. With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the PCB aims to establish stability in leadership and provide a platform for emerging talents to shine under Salman’s guidance.

Alongside him, Shadab Khan’s appointment as vice-captain ensures continuity and experience in the squad. The duo will be expected to lead Pakistan through a crucial phase, with the tour serving as a vital preparation ground for upcoming ICC events.

Mohammad Rizwan Continues as ODI Captain

While Pakistan reshuffles its T20 leadership, stability remains in the ODI format, with Mohammad Rizwan continuing as captain. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter has been instrumental in Pakistan’s ODI setup, and his leadership will be crucial as the team builds towards the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2027, set to be hosted in Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Salman Ali Agha, who will be leading the T20I side, has also been named vice-captain in ODIs, showcasing the PCB’s confidence in his ability to play a leadership role across formats.

Pakistan Squad Breakdown: Fresh Faces Earn Call-Ups

The squad selections highlight PCB’s focus on rewarding domestic performers. The T20I squad includes three uncapped players Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali who have impressed in the domestic circuit. Their performances in the Champions One-Day and T20 Cups have paved the way for their selection, as Pakistan looks to groom young talent for future international assignments.

Among the standout domestic performers:

• Abdul Samad scored 115 runs at a strike rate of 166.67 in the Champions T20 Cup, complementing his 145-run tally in the Champions One-Day Cup.

• Hasan Nawaz finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the Champions T20 Cup, amassing 312 runs at a strike rate of 142.47.

• Mohammad Ali was the leading wicket-taker in the Champions T20 Cup with 22 wickets and also contributed with three wickets in the Champions One-Day Cup.

In the ODI squad, Akif Javed has been included after his seven-wicket haul in the Champions One-Day Cup, along with his 15-wicket performance in the T20 competition.

Injury Updates: Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub Ruled Out

Pakistan will be without key openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, both sidelined due to injuries. Fakhar sustained a left lower intercostal muscle sprain during Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, while Saim is recovering from a right ankle fracture sustained during the Cape Town Test against South Africa. However, both players are expected to regain full fitness ahead of the HBL Pakistan Super League 10, starting in April.

Coaching Setup: Aqib Javed to Continue as Interim Head Coach

Aqib Javed will extend his tenure as Pakistan’s interim head coach for the New Zealand tour, while the PCB continues its search for a permanent appointment. Mohammad Yousuf has been named as the batting coach, reinforcing Pakistan’s focus on strengthening their batting lineup.

The full support staff for the tour includes:

• Naveed Akram Cheema (Team Manager)

• Aqib Javed (Interim Head Coach)

• Azhar Mahmood (Assistant Coach)

• Mohammad Yousuf (Batting Coach)

• Mohammad Masroor (Fielding Coach)

• Cliffe Deacon (Physiotherapist)

• Drikus Saiman (Strength and Conditioning Coach)

• Talha Butt (Analyst)

• Irtiza Komail (Security Manager)

• Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (Team Doctor)

• Sergio Basil Mullins (Masseur)

Pakistan’s Tour of New Zealand: Full Schedule

The highly anticipated tour kicks off with the T20I series, followed by three ODIs. The schedule is as follows:

T20I Series:

• March 16 – 1st T20I, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

• March 18 – 2nd T20I, University Oval, Dunedin

• March 21 – 3rd T20I, Eden Park, Auckland

• March 23 – 4th T20I, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

• March 26 – 5th T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington

ODI Series:

• March 29 – 1st ODI, McLean Park, Napier

• April 2 – 2nd ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton

• April 5 – 3rd ODI, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket

With a packed cricketing calendar ahead, Pakistan’s performances in New Zealand will set the tone for their preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026. The series offers an excellent opportunity for the new leadership group, emerging talents, and experienced players to showcase their capabilities on the international stage.

As Pakistan embarks on this exciting tour, all eyes will be on how Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan lead their respective teams. Will Pakistan’s fresh approach yield success in New Zealand? Cricket fans around the world eagerly await the action.