Iftikhar faced challenges with PCB recently, having not featured for the national team since the T20 World Cup match against India.
‘Rizwan to lead Australia series; Fakhar, Iftikhar, and Shadab to rest for upcoming tour’. In major changes in national team squad, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to pick Mohammad Rizwan as captain for upcoming Australia series, after Babar Azam’s resignation.
Rizwan, known for his flamboyant playing skills and fighting spirit, has proven himself as a reliable performer, whether opening the innings in T20s or delivering crucial performances in Tests. His leadership aims to inspire resilience in the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.
He previously led Men in Green in two Test matches against Kiwis in 2020 and 2021, while his new role reflects his growth from a domestic star to a key figure in international cricket.
Mohsin Naqvi led board is also expected to leave out several high-profile players to pave the way for emerging talent. Notably, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan are likely to be rested. Shadab’s last appearance in a 50-over game was in 2023, and he has not played T20 cricket since June. Despite his domestic success, he struggled to regain the selectors’ confidence
On the other hand, Iftikhar faced challenges with PCB recently, having not featured for the national team since the T20 World Cup match against India. Furthermore, Fakhar Zaman is also expected to miss the series due to fitness concerns.
As the PCB looks to shape the future of Pakistan cricket, these changes signal a new era for the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead in Australia.
Earlier, Babar Azam has quit as Pakistan captain for the second time in less than a year, citing a desire to lessen his workload and focus on his batting. In a lengthy post on X, Babar said he had notified the PCB of his decision to quit the white-ball captaincy last month in an interest to “prioritise my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family”.
“I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team,” part of the statement said. “It’s been an honour to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role. Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it’s added a significant workload.
“By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth. I’m grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me. Your enthusiasm has meant the world to me. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to continue contributing to the team as a player. Thank you for your love and support.”
The PCB accepted his resignation* and the selectors will now pick a new captain for Pakistan’s white-ball teams.
“Although the PCB had backed Babar Azam as the white-ball captain, his decision to step down reflects his desire to focus more on making a greater impact as a player,” the board said in a statement. “This decision is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to Pakistan cricket. He believes that dedicating himself fully to his batting will enable him to play a more decisive role in the team’s success in the shorter formats.
“The PCB acknowledges Babar’s contributions as white-ball captain, his ability to prioritise the team’s needs and his unwavering dedication to Pakistan cricket. The PCB will continue to support Babar Azam, recognising he still has much to offer both as a world-class batter and a senior statesman of the team.”
