To avoid axe, senior Pakistani cricketers plan to skip New Zealand tour

LAHORE: Senior members of the Pakistan cricket team are reportedly considering skipping the upcoming New Zealand tour, fearing they might be dropped from the squad following their disappointing performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy.

Pakistan’s next assignment is a white-ball series during their New Zealand tour, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs, scheduled from March 16 to April 5. 

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According to sources, some players fear being dropped due to their poor performances in the Champions Trophy and may voluntarily opt out of the New Zealand tour.

The apparent decision appears to be an attempt to avoid the stigma of being excluded from the squad. 

Sources claimed that top officials at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are unhappy with the team’s disappointing performance in the tournament and can show exit door to some key players.

Meanwhile, cricket experts believe that pacers Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah would be dropped “for sure.”

They also see the exclusion of batters Babar Azam and Tayyab Tahir, and all-rounder Khushdil Shah before the New Zealand tour.

Experts believe that Babar Azam can be replaced by middle order batter – Kamran Ghulam – who has been tested earlier as a substitute to Babar.

Ghulam had already showed his worth by scoring ton while replacing Babar Azam in a Test clash in Multan.

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In the meantime, sources suggested that Usman Khan – a wicketkeeper and batter – will continue hanging around with the squad and may also attend New Zealand tour as he was not ‘exposed’ like other players during the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan finish bottom in Champions Trophy

Pakistan, who won the Champions Trophy in 2017, lost to New Zealand and arch-rivals India to finish bottom of the four sides in Group A.

Their last match had only pride at stake for both teams, with Bangladesh similarly out of the running for the semi-finals.

Pakistan’s failure to advance beyond the group phase or even win a game was a huge letdown for a country hosting its first major cricket tournament in three decades.