PCB chief meets Babar Azam, Mahmood talks Pakistan playing XI for first T20I

Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), convened with key figures of the national cricket team including the white-ball captain, Babar Azam, selector Wahab Riaz, and head coach Azhar Mahmood ahead of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Naqvi shared the picture of this meeting through his official X account, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday.

“Discussion with national team officials about the upcoming Pak vs NZ series,” Naqvi wrote in the caption.

Furthermore, Mahmood, speaking to journalists on Tuesday, disclosed that the final playing XI for the initial T20I encounter against New Zealand would be determined after evaluating the conditions of the pitch and weather.

Mahmood stated that while no decisions had been made yet, there would likely be alterations in the lineup. 

“We haven’t decided anything yet but you will definitely see changes in the lineup. We will assess the pitch before deciding the playing XI for the first match,” Mahmood said.

“We will take into account the weather conditions before deciding whether we should play two spinners of four pacers,” he added.

Mahmood emphasized that any decision regarding Babar's rest will be carefully considered based on the circumstances.

"It is possible Babar Azam can rest but it will depend on the situation. We will view all aspects while making the decision,” he said.