Pakistan’s head coach, Azhar Mahmood, indicated that there’s no certainty regarding captain Babar Azam’s participation in all five matches of the upcoming Twenty20 International series against New Zealand.
Mahmood, serving on a temporary basis, reiterated the Pakistan Cricket Board’s selection policies, emphasizing player rotation to manage workload and provide opportunities to promising talent ahead of the T20 World Cup.
He stated that the series against New Zealand, Ireland, and England will be crucial in identifying the best combination for the tournament.
Mahmood highlighted the importance of creating clarity in players’ roles and building bench strength.
Regarding batting order, Mahmood mentioned that flexibility is key in T20 cricket, with top three batters needing fixed positions while others can adapt based on the situation.
He expressed satisfaction with the squad’s balance and praised the return of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, adding depth to the team.
Despite New Zealand’s absence of key players due to IPL commitments, Mahmood emphasized their talent and stated that the series provides an opportunity for players to stake their claim for the T20 World Cup.
New Zealand batter Mark Chapman echoed Mahmood’s sentiments, acknowledging Pakistan’s formidable pace attack, especially with the inclusion of Amir.
