LAHORE:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to announce the new captain and national white-ball teams for the upcoming tour of Australia within the next few days. On October 2, Babar Azam officially stepped down as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, leading the PCB to begin the search for a new leader in the ODI and T20I formats. Reports indicate that Mohammad Haris is emerging as a potential candidate to captain the national team in T20Is.
Sources also reveal that consultations with selectors regarding player selections for the upcoming series are ongoing, with the final decision pending approval from the PCB Chairman.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan is seen as a strong contender to take over the leadership role from Babar Azam. The white-ball squad is likely to include the return of key players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
The Pakistani contingent is scheduled to depart for Melbourne on October 29. Upon arrival, the team will undergo training sessions at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 1 and 2, with an optional session on November 3. The first ODI match between Pakistan and Australia is slated for November 4. The selection committee, comprising Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, and Hasan Cheema, is currently assessing potential players for the three ODIs and three T20 matches in Australia.
Spin-friendly pitch prepared for Pindi Test
In a strategic move to capitalize on home advantage, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has planned to prepare a spin-friendly pitch for the upcoming third Test match against England in Rawalpindi. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to improve the national team’s performance by creating favorable conditions for Pakistan’s spinners.
A team of selectors, including former fast bowler Aqib Javed, will visit the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to meet with renowned pitch curator Tony Hemming. Their aim is to ensure that the pitch is prepared to assist spinners like Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali, similar to the conditions that proved beneficial for Pakistan in the second Test.
The third Test is set to begin on October 24, and PCB officials believe that a spin-friendly pitch poses a significant challenge to the English batting lineup, which struggled against quality spin bowling in the second Test. While Rawalpindi has traditionally been known for its fast bowler-friendly pitches, the PCB is determined to change this narrative and exploit the home advantage to its fullest potential.
In another significant development, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has delegated full authority to the five-member selection committee to select the playing XI for the third Test. While the selectors will likely consult with the captain and head coach, the final decision will rest solely with the committee.
