Pakistan’s interim white-ball head coach and selector, Aqib Javed, has encouraged emerging players in the squad for the Zimbabwe series to seize the opportunity and solidify their positions in the national team. Speaking during a media session at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Javed emphasized the importance of broadening the team’s talent pool, as key players, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Naseem Shah, will be rested for the series.
The green shirts are set to play three ODIs and three T20Is against Zimbabwe from November 24 to December 5. This series follows Pakistan’s mixed tour of Australia, where the team lost the T20I series 3-0 but secured a 2-1 victory in the ODI series. These matches are expected to serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February-March 2025.
“By resting senior players, we’ve sent a clear message to the new players: this is their chance to shine and take advantage of the opportunities presented to them,” Javed stated. “If we don’t expand the pool of players, we limit our options for future tournaments.”
Pakistan Squads for Zimbabwe Series:
ODI Squad:
Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir
T20I Squad:
Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan
Zimbabwe Squads:
ODI Squad:
Craig Ervine (Captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
T20I Squad:
Sikandar Raza (Captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava
Javed concluded by reinforcing his confidence in the younger players’ ability to perform and urged them to prove their mettle on the international stage.
