Sources have reported that Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to replace Babar Azam as captain for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. It is also expected that Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam will be rested for the series. The selectors are also likely to give opportunities to batters Saim Ayub, Haseebullah Khan, Azam Khan and pacer Ihsanullah, while all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim are also in contention for selection.
The schedule for the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been revised, with the matches now set to take place on March 24, 26 and 27 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The changes were made due to the unavailability of Hawk-Eye Technology on the previously agreed-upon dates. The two boards have agreed to the changes to ensure all necessary broadcast technologies are available for the inaugural T20I series between the two sides.
Former Pakistan cricketer Muhammad Yousuf is set to be named as the interim head coach of the national men’s team for the series against Afghanistan. This decision was taken because the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was not able to finalize the agreement for the role of head coach with Mickey Arthur. Yousuf’s appointment was initially determined on a series-to-series basis under the Ramiz Raja-led administration.
It was earlier planned that both teams would play a three-match ODI series, but since Pakistan and Afghanistan have already qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, the format was changed to T20Is after a meeting between Sethi and ACB officials. The revised schedule for the three-match T20I series is March 24, 26, and 27 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
