Babar Azam likely to be dropped from T20 squad for New Zealand tour

The Pakistan cricket team is set to tour New Zealand for a series of five T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals (ODIs).

According to sources, star batter Babar Azam is unlikely to be included in Pakistan’s T20 squad for the tour. However, a final decision regarding his participation in the ODI squad has yet to be made.

The selectors have reportedly decided to include young players in the T20 squad, aiming to provide them with international exposure and experience.

Meanwhile, following Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy, Babar Azam was spotted playing padel tennis. Several pictures have surfaced showing him enjoying the sport alongside his brothers, fellow cricketers, and friends.

PCB likely to send Rizwan, other senior players packing

Following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy, captain Mohammad Rizwan and several senior players are set to be rested.

According to media reports, if Rizwan is rested, Shadab Khan is likely to take over as captain. The squad is also expected to see major changes, with 8 to 9 new players included.

Similarly, senior players like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman will reportedly be dropped, while Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir, and Kamran Ghulam are also likely to be excluded.

Meanwhile, young talents such as Mohammad Haris, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Arafat Minhas are expected to join the team. Others in contention include Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, and Jehandad Khan.

Additionally, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, and Umair Bin Yousuf may be included, while emerging talents like Hasan Nawaz, Ali Raza, and Abdul Samad are also under consideration.

Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with selectors at the National Cricket Academy to discuss the team's future. He instructed the selection committee to build a team with a long-term vision.