Sarfaraz Ahmed likely to be part of Pakistan squad for New Zealand tour

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to be part of Pakistan squad for the New Zealand tour, while Mohammad Rizwan remains the first choice for the wicketkeeper slot in the team.

According to sources, Head coach Misbahul Haq held discussions regarding players’ performance with association coaches after the conclusion of the second round of the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce a 35-member squad, comprising of senior men’s team and Pakistan Shaheen side, for the New Zealand tour on November 11 after final discussions between the team management.

Sources added that Pakistan limited-overs captain Babar will take over the Test reins from current skipper Azhar Ali for the upcoming tour. However, Azhar will still be part of the squad as a senior player. Young wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir is expected to lead the Pakistan Shaheen’s squad on the tour.

The two squads will be announced together in order to ensure that Covid-19 SOP’s are enforced adequately, while making travel arrangements for New Zealand easier for management and players.

The senior men’s team will play two Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals in New Zealand, beginning on December 18, whereas the Pakistan Shaheen side will feature in two four-day games and six T20s.

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It should be noted that the Pakistan-A side has been renamed as Pakistan Shaheen team and the players selected for the senior side will also be eligible to play for the junior side during the tour of New Zealand.