Babar Azam likely to be 'rested' for New Zealand series

Pakistan white-ball skipper Babar Azam is expected to be rested for the T20I home series against New Zealand, Head coach Azhar Mahmood said on Wednesday.

The plan was revealed by the newly-appointed coach while addressing a press conference in Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 17-member national squad for the five-match series against Kiwis.

Speaking about the selection, the former medium pacer said that he is satisfied with the players as green shirts have a balanced squad. 

“Alongside good batters, we have two all-rounder fast bowlers,” the 49-year-old cricketer added.

Mahmood said that the return of left-handed fast bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim will give strength to the team.

Meanwhile, he dismissed the notion of the New Zealand B team and said that Kiwi players have a good record.

The head coach said the home series would be more than a T20 match with Kiwis, "it would be a helpful event for the team to enhance learning skills before the World Cup". 

He expressed hope for good performances from Abbas Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi. 

"I like Amir Jamal a lot because he can be a great all-rounder in the future," said the coach.

"Babar Azam could also be given the rest in the series, and more changes could be made during the series if we would have more openers,” he noted.

The first match of the five-match T20I series is set to begin tomorrow (Thursday) at Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.