Several senior Pakistan players are reportedly considering withdrawing from next month’s tour of New Zealand following the team’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy, sources revealed on Friday.
Pakistan failed to secure a single win in the tournament, starting with a heavy 60-run defeat against New Zealand in Karachi, followed by a six-wicket loss to arch-rivals India in Dubai. Their final group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was abandoned due to rain, ending any hopes of a comeback.
According to sources familiar with developments within the board, some players are unsure about traveling to New Zealand for the upcoming white-ball series, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs from March 16 to April 5.
Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah are among those reportedly considering making themselves unavailable for the tour.
‘These players are aware that they are likely to be dropped, as selectors now aim to introduce fresh faces. As a result, they are considering stepping away and are consulting their agents to determine their next move,” a source revealed.
There is uncertainty over Muhammad Rizwan’s future as selectors may advise the Chairman to rebuild the T20 squad ahead of the Asia Cup and next year’s T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, the PCB is considering a new role for interim head coach Aaqib Javed at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
A source revealed that Javed had previously requested a job at the academy from Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
“Aaqib’s stint as interim head coach has ended, and he is now being considered for a senior role at the national cricket academy in Lahore. However, with Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie stepping down, the PCB had asked Aaqib to continue as interim head coach,” the source added.
“All decisions will be made after the Champions Trophy concludes on March 9.With Pakistan’s campaign now over, the PCB is expected to evaluate Aaqib’s potential shift to the academy while also retaining his role as a national selector,” the source mentioned.