PAK vs NZ: Shadab Khan optimistic on new players’ performance

CHRISTCHURCH: As the Pakistan T20 team gears up for their upcoming series against New Zealand in Christchurch (PAK vs NZ), vice-captain Shadab Khan expressed optimism about the potential of the new players in the squad.

Speaking before the team’s departure for New Zealand, Shadab stated, “there is a lot of hope from the new players that they will give a good performance; they will try to fulfil the responsibility given to them”.

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Such optimism comes at a time when Pakistan’s cricketing fortunes have been under intense scrutiny, particularly following a dismal performance over the past two years.

Despite hosting the ICC Champion Trophy 2025, where they were the defending champions, Pakistan faced an early exit from the tournament. The Men in Green were eliminated in the group, while India emerged victorious by defeating New Zealand in the finals. The Men in Blue also become the first team to win three Champions Trophy titles.

Meanwhile, the situation with their arch-rivals has been on a downward spiral. In 2024, Pakistan suffered a shocking defeat to the United States, a relatively new team in international cricket, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Leading up to the world cup, the Green Shirts’ performance had also been lacklustre, with disappointing results in various series against teams like England and New Zealand.

Adding to the issue, former Pakistani sensation, Shahid Afridi, decided to stir a sensation of another kind. He voiced his displeasure regarding Shadab Khan’s inclusion in the squad for the New Zealand tour. Afridi questioned the rationale behind Shadab’s recall, stating “on what basis has he been recalled? What are his performances in domestic cricket or otherwise that he [was] picked again?”

The controversial star, himself embroiled in several controversies over the years, criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for making ‘incorrect decisions’ that have left Pakistan cricket in a precarious state. Afridi likened it to being in the ‘ICU’.

Shadab Khan last represented Pakistan during the disastrous  2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados and the US. Following the Champions Trophy debacle, he was reinstated to the T20 International team and appointed as vice-captain, while Mohammad Rizwan, who led the team during the Champions Trophy, was removed from the T20 captaincy.

Afridi further lamented what he perceived as a lack of continuity and consistency within the PCB, highlighting the frequent changes in leadership and coaching staff whenever there is a change in the board’s administration. “There is no continuity, consistency in the Board’s decisions and policies. We keep changing captains, coaches, or some players, but in the end, what is the accountability for Board officials?” he questioned.

In a recent media interaction, Afridi also revealed a conversation he had with the PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who apparently admitted to his limited knowledge of cricket.

Pakistan vs New Zealand series (PAK vs NZ)

The series against New Zealand will consist of five T20Is, starting on March 16 (Saturday), in Christchurch, followed by matches in Dunedin, Auckland, Mount Maunganui and Wellington. The T20I matches will be followed by a three-match one-day international (ODI) series, with the first ODI scheduled for March 29.

Pakistan squad

The Pakistan squad for the New Zealand series features a mix of experienced players and newcomers. The T20I squad includes captain Salman Ali Agha, vice-captain Shadab Khan, and other players such as Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Omair bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Khan.

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PAK vs NZ series schedule

The New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I series schedule includes:

1^st T20I: March 16 – Christchurch

2^nd T20I: March 18 – Dunedin

3^rd T20I: March 21 – Auckland

4^th T20I: March 23 – Mount Maunganui

5^th T20I: March 26 – Wellington

The New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI series schedule includes:

1^st ODI: March 29 – Napier

2^nd ODI: April 2 – Hamilton

3rd ODI: April 5 – Mount Maunganui