Babar and Rizwan not interested to take rest in Afghanistan series
Forcing Babar and Rizwan to rest can disrupt the team's unity
Cricket PassionEditor
Posted - 2023-03-11T19:50:59+06:00
Updated - 2023-03-11T19:50:59+06:00
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan have expressed their desire to take part in the three-game T20I series against Afghanistan.
Pakistan are considering resting captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the T20I series against Afghanistan later this month, as well as for the following series against New Zealand. We understands that top players' workload management was a key point of discussion at a recent selection committee meeting as they look towards both a World Cup year and an Asia Cup ahead.
According to a media report, the selection panel led by Haroon Rasheed is considering a proposal to rest some top-tier players, including Babar and Rizwan, for the Afghanistan series. The report further added that Shaheen Afridi is likely to lead the Pakistan team instead of Babar and the Lahore Qalandars captain has been consulted on the matter.
However, sources close to the opening couple have claimed they are keen to take part in the series and have not been contacted by any senior official about a break.
The sources added that Babar and Rizwan are currently playing in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) where they are recovering sufficiently between games.
The sources went on to say that enforced breaks could disrupt the national team's unity, which is currently at an all-time high.
When contacted, PCB sources said no final decision has been made to rest the T20I inaugural balls and that the selection panel is still considering various options.
It was reported yesterday that Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to lead the national team in the upcoming three-game T20I series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates later this month.
All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim, rising stars Saim Ayub, Haseebullah Khan and Azam Khan are rumored to have also been picked for the series along with pacemaker Ihsanullah.
The schedule has been slightly changed as the games were originally scheduled to be played on March 25th, 27th and 29th in Sharjah, but now the games will be held on March 24th, 26th and 27th.