Several senior Pakistan cricketers, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, are likely to be rested for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, according to sources.
The decision comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Team management wants to give these key players a break to ensure they remain fresh for future tournaments.
Fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf have also requested rest, adding to the list of absentees. With so many senior players missing, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet decided who will lead the team for the series. This situation also opens the door for young and emerging players to showcase their talent on the international stage.
The Pakistan tour of New Zealand is scheduled from March 16 to April 5. It includes five T20Is and three ODIs, with matches set to be played in Christchurch, Dunedin, Auckland, and Wellington. The series will be an important opportunity for Pakistan to test new players and build a strong squad for future competitions.
Resting senior players is a common practice in modern cricket to manage workload and prevent injuries. With the busy international calendar ahead, giving them a break could help them perform better in upcoming series and tournaments.
Fans will be eager to see how the new-look Pakistan team performs against New Zealand, as the series promises exciting cricket with fresh faces stepping up to the challenge.
