Pakistan’s cricket has been in the headlines for sacking Shaheen Afridi as the skipper of the T20 side. The left-arm pacer led Pakistan in only one series against New Zealand before he was replaced by Babar Azam as the captain of Pakistan.

However, former Pakistani player Wahab Riaz, who was part of the decision-making selection committee, said that the main reason behind sacking Shaheen Afridi as the skipper was workload management.

Wahab Riaz said, “Shaheen Afridi was removed as captain because of workload management, and we wanted him to play with freedom without any captaincy pressure. Even Babar Azam can sit out as part of the rotation policy. We have still not decided about the vice captain for the T20 team.”

Pakistan are all set to play against New Zealand in a five-match Twenty20 series and have also announced their squad for the same. Maiden call-ups have been given to Mohammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan, who earlier played for the UAE but now have switched to play for Pakistan.

On his selection, Usman Khan said, “Being chosen to represent one’s country is the ultimate dream and goal for any athlete. Today, I am absolutely thrilled and filled with joy as the selectors have granted me the opportunity to be part of the upcoming series against New Zealand. This selection validates the relentless effort and dedication I have poured into my craft, and I am fully committed to upholding the high standards I have set for myself.”

Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is:

Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohmmad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir , Usman Khan, Zaman Khan