Pakistan squad for New Zealand tour to be announce today

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will announce the squad for Pakistan's upcoming tour of New Zealand in a media conference today, Tuesday, March 4, at 2:15 PM. The squad will be announced by Aqib Javed, the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, at a press conference in the Media Conference Room, Level 3, Iqbal End, Gaddafi Stadium.

The announcement will include the squad for both the five-match T20I series and the three One-Day International (ODI) matches against New Zealand. 

Pakistan is likely to make several changes to their T20I squad. As part of the overhaul, senior players, including white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, and pacer Naseem Shah, are expected to be rested. The PCB aims to give opportunities to young players and domestic performers in the T20 format.

According to sources, Shadab Khan, the experienced all-rounder, is expected to be named the new captain for the T20I series against New Zealand. Shadab has not played for Pakistan in a T20I since the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup against Ireland. 

Pakistan's ODI squad is also expected to undergo slight changes, but Mohammad Rizwan will likely to continue leading the team in the 50-over format. The PCB is focused on balancing the squad with a mix of experience and youth for the challenging tour ahead.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the first T20I of the tour on Sunday, March 16.