Rashid Latif Suggests Pakistan Incorporate New Talent for New Zealand T20Is
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Synopsis
After a dismal performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, Rashid Latif has proposed introducing fresh talent into the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, starting on March 16. Key players are under scrutiny as the team prepares for the series.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's performance in ICC Champions Trophy was disappointing.
- Rashid Latif advocates for fresh talent in T20I series.
- Shadab Khan is likely to be captain for New Zealand tour.
- Senior players are under pressure due to recent performances.
- Potential exclusions of key players are being speculated.
New Delhi, March 1 (NationPress) Following Pakistan's disastrous exit from the home ICC Champions Trophy, former wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif suggested that the team should bring in new players for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, which kicks off on March 16.
Pakistan, who did not manage to secure a single victory in the eight-team tournament, is set to travel to New Zealand for a series comprising five T20Is and three ODIs.
With scrutiny on the performance of senior players, Latif utilized X to share a list of potential new players under consideration for the T20Is against New Zealand. According to the veteran, Hassan Nawaz, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, and Muhammad Nafay are in the mix for selection in the upcoming series.
Latif also mentioned that Shadab Khan is likely to be the captain for the shortest format, while Muhammad Haris, Sufyan Muqeem, Arafat Minhas, Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Khushdil Shah are also among the possible contenders for the tour.
During the Champions Trophy, Pakistan faced defeats against New Zealand and arch-rivals India in Group A matches, and their game against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain in Rawalpindi.
In light of the team's poor performance in yet another ICC tournament, there are indications that interim head coach Aqib Javed may not receive an extension, with a new coach expected to take over for the New Zealand tour.
Javed, a former international fast bowler, was appointed last November after Gary Kirsten's resignation.
Moreover, it has been reported that several senior players from Pakistan are contemplating withdrawing from the New Zealand tour to avoid the risk of being dropped due to their recent underwhelming performances.
Concerns about potential exclusions are mounting, with reports indicating that key players such as Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam might be in jeopardy.
