Pakistan’s white-ball series against New Zealand, scheduled from March 16 to April 5, 2025, has been clouded by uncertainty as several senior players are reportedly considering withdrawing from the tour.
According to sources, key players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah are contemplating skipping the series in the aftermath of Pakistan’s poor performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Similarly, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, two of Pakistan’s fastest bowlers, are reportedly weighing their options as well.
Pakistan’s dismal performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has intensified the scrutiny on the team’s senior players.
The dissatisfaction with senior players' performances has fueled debates about whether the team needs a fresh approach with new leadership.
Why Senior Players Might Skip the New Zealand Tour
With Pakistan’s selection committee under pressure to revamp the squad, some players might opt to sit out the New Zealand tour to avoid the embarrassment of being dropped. Given the current scenario, voluntarily withdrawing could allow them to return to the team later without suffering reputational damage.
Pakistan’s pace attack has been dealing with injury concerns, especially with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, both of whom have struggled with fitness issues in the past.
Sitting out the tour could allow them to focus on rehabilitation and conditioning ahead of major upcoming events such as the T20 World Cup 2025.
Several senior players have been playing continuous cricket across different formats. A break could serve as an opportunity for them to refresh before key tournaments later in the year.
Impact on Pakistan’s Squad for the New Zealand Series
If these senior players opt out, Pakistan’s squad for the New Zealand tour could see several changes, giving opportunities to younger talents. Players such as Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris, and Zaman Khan might receive call-ups to fill the void left by the experienced campaigners.
This could be a golden opportunity for Pakistan’s bench strength to prove their mettle on an international stage.
| Senior Player | Potential Replacement |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Saim Ayub |
| Shaheen Afridi | Zaman Khan |
| Haris Rauf | Mohammad Hasnain |
| Naseem Shah | Abrar Ahmed |
