Pakistan Cricket Team Prepares for Tough New Zealand Challenge
The Pakistan cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the highly anticipated white-ball series against New Zealand. With a five-match T20 International (T20I) series scheduled from March 16 to 26, followed by a three-match One Day International (ODI) series from March 29 to April 5, the team is undergoing rigorous training at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground.
Intensive Training Camp in Lahore
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has organized a high-intensity training camp in Lahore to help players adapt to the challenges they will face in New Zealand’s conditions. The camp focuses on enhancing fitness, refining batting and bowling techniques, and strengthening fielding skills.
Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as Pakistan’s T20I captain for this tour, while Shadab Khan will serve as his deputy. In the ODI format, Mohammad Rizwan will continue as captain, with Salman Ali Agha named as vice-captain.
Coaching Staff and Team Management
Former fast bowler Aaqib Javed will continue as the interim head coach for the New Zealand tour. While his initial tenure was set to last until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB has requested him to extend his role until a permanent head coach is appointed. Additionally, batting legend Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as Pakistan’s batting coach for the series, a move that could significantly benefit the batters ahead of the tough New Zealand challenge.
Players Focused on Adapting to New Zealand Conditions
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who is part of the T20I squad, expressed confidence about playing in New Zealand, stating that he is already familiar with the conditions, having played there before. The squad also includes several young talents eager to make an impact in foreign conditions.
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.
Pakistan’s Tour of New Zealand – Schedule
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
Cricket Boards Regret Supporting India in Champions Trophy
Several cricket boards that once aligned with India for financial benefits and helped establish its dominance in international cricket are now expressing frustration over its growing influence and preferential treatment.
Recently, prominent cricketers such as Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, and Jonathan Agnew have raised concerns about the advantages India has received in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. The British media has also highlighted these concerns, suggesting that India’s influence over global cricketing decisions is creating an imbalance in the sport.
FAQs
1. Who is the captain of Pakistan’s T20I team for the New Zealand tour?
Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as Pakistan’s T20I captain for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
2. Who is coaching the Pakistan team for the New Zealand tour?
Aaqib Javed is serving as the interim head coach, while Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach for the series.
3. When does Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand begin?
Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand starts on March 16, 2025, with the first T20I match at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
4. How many matches will Pakistan play against New Zealand?
Pakistan will play a total of eight matches, including five T20Is and three ODIs against New Zealand.
5. What is the significance of this series for Pakistan?
This series will help Pakistan prepare for upcoming ICC events, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while also allowing younger players to gain experience in challenging conditions.
SEE ALSO
https://flarenews.pk/2025/03/09/yousuf-identifies-shafique-batting-flaws/
