Pakistan’s cricket stars, Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, are likely to be rested for the upcoming white-ball tour of Zimbabwe, following the conclusion of their series against Australia. According to reports from Cricket Pakistan, the team selectors are keen to give some of the senior players a break while using the Zimbabwe series to groom younger talent ahead of future international fixtures.

The Pakistan men's team will play three T20Is and three ODIs in Zimbabwe, starting on November 24, just days after the Australia tour, which runs from November 4 to November 18. In preparation for a packed schedule, selectors see the Zimbabwe series as an ideal opportunity to rest key players like Babar and Shaheen, allowing them to recharge ahead of more demanding competitions.

This decision comes after Pakistan’s hard-fought victory in the second Test against England at home, where Shan Masood led the side to end a streak of Test defeats. Senior players like Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem Shah were also rested for the second and third Tests of that series, signaling the selectors’ focus on managing player workloads.

As part of this strategic rotation policy, the selection committee is contemplating giving 4 to 5 senior players a break during the Zimbabwe tour. This approach will allow young cricketers to gain valuable international experience and showcase their potential on a bigger stage. A final decision on the squad for Zimbabwe is expected to be made after a meeting scheduled for Sunday.

A report from Cricket Pakistan highlighted the PCB's optimism in fielding a less-experienced squad, seeing it as a necessary step for long-term benefits. "The final decision on the rested players will be made in a meeting scheduled for Sunday. If the plans go ahead, it could mean that Pakistan will field a relatively inexperienced squad against Zimbabwe. However, the PCB is optimistic that this approach will pay dividends in the long run."