T20I reshuffle: Aqib Javed explains exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Interim head coach Aqib Javed has shed light on the exclusion of star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, emphasizing the team’s strategic shift towards a fresh approach in the shortest format.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore alongside newly appointed T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, Aqib unveiled Pakistan’s white-ball squads for the New Zealand series. 

While Rizwan retained his leadership role in the ODI squad, he was replaced by Salman as the T20I captain, with Shadab Khan stepping in as vice-captain. Babar, on the other hand, retained his place in the ODI setup but was omitted from the T20I squad.

Addressing the key decision, Aqib clarified that neither Babar nor Rizwan had been permanently sidelined but that the management was focused on reshaping the team’s mindset and playing style in T20 cricket.

“Look, this is never the case that a player is completely ruled out,” Aqib stated. “Right now, we feel that we need to bring in young blood into the team and change our style of play and mindset.”

He further highlighted how several international teams have opted for distinct squads for T20Is and ODIs, and Pakistan is looking to adopt a similar strategy.

“If you look at other teams, many have kept their T20I squads entirely separate [from ODIs],” he explained. 

“Our aim is to maintain a core group of 24-25 players leading up to the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2026, ensuring that we don’t go beyond this player pool and approach these tournaments with a specific mindset.”

Notably, Mohammad Rizwan was appointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain in October 2024, but his tenure as T20I skipper was short-lived, as he led the team in just five matches—all of which ended in defeat.