LAHORE: Pakistan’s cricket team has intensified preparations for their upcoming New Zealand tour, with selected players participating in a comprehensive training camp at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground.
The tour, scheduled to begin on March 16, features a five-match T20 International series followed by three ODIs, representing Pakistan’s first international assignment following the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed all-rounder Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain for the series, with experienced leg-spinner Shadab Khan serving as vice-captain.
The T20I series will run from March 16 to 26 across multiple venues.
For the ODI leg of the tour, scheduled from March 29 to April 5, Mohammad Rizwan will retain his role as captain, with Salman Ali Agha shifting to vice-captain duties.
The coaching setup will see former fast bowler Aaqib Javed continue as interim head coach, extending his role beyond the originally planned Champions Trophy tenure while the PCB searches for a permanent appointee.
The coaching staff has been strengthened with former batting maestro Mohammad Yousuf joining as batting coach specifically for this series. Pakistan’s training regimen has reportedly focused on adapting to New Zealand’s bouncy pitches and swing-friendly conditions, with specialised sessions addressing both batting and bowling challenges typical of New Zealand venues.
Pakistan Squads for the New Zealand Tour
T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain), Abbas Afridi, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Irfan Khan Niazi, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Usman Khan.
ODI Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Tayyab Tahir.
