According to a report by Cricket Pakistan, there were suggestions that the PCB was initially considering giving rest to the bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan for the New Zealand series. However, it is believed that the decision to include him in the squad was taken on the advice of the team captain Babar Azam.
According to a report by Cricket Pakistan, Babar Azam was reportedly the one who advised PCB not to replace Shadab Khan for the upcoming New Zealand series despite the board being in favour of resting the bowling all-rounder.
It is reported that Shadab Khan’s comments in favor of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan reportedly upset some officials in the hierarchy of the governing board. Shadab was the captain of the Pakistan cricket team for the recently concluded series against Afghanistan, which they lost 2-1.
There have been reports that due to the controversies surrounding Shadab Khan, the PCB was considering naming another player as vice-captain for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Possible candidates being considered for the role include Imad Wasim, Shan Masood, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Despite the speculations, Shadab Khan was included in both the T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming series against New Zealand and was also retained as the deputy to Babar Azam, refuting all the earlier rumors.
Pakistan cricket team is set to play an interesting series vs New Zealand cricket team in Pakistan later this month. The series will include 5 T20Is and as many ODI matches as part of the series.