by: TN Media News Pakistan:
Pakistan’s top guns, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, will not be getting a breather during the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, despite calls for their rest. According to PCB selection committee consultant Kamran Akmal, the team needs its star players firing all cylinders for this challenging tour.
“No rest talk for Babar and Rizwan in New Zealand,” Akmal declared in a recent interview. “This isn’t Nepal, where you can afford to sit out senior players. We’re facing a tough series, and having our best available is crucial.”
Akmal’s statement quells rumors of planned breaks for the prolific duo, emphasizing their indispensability to Pakistan’s success. This stance reflects the importance of the five-match series, which kicks off on January 12 in Auckland.
Meanwhile, Akmal offered his perspective on the newly appointed Test captain, Shan Masood. He acknowledged that leadership roles require time to mature, stating, “Anyone in a coaching or captaincy position needs at least six to eight months before a proper assessment. Shan has experience leading in domestic and county cricket, and I believe he’ll keep improving with time.”
Masood faced his baptism by fire during the Perth Test against Australia, and Akmal’s support indicates a belief in the opener’s long-term potential as captain.
