Senior cricketers mull skipping New Zealand series to avoid axe

Following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on home soil, several senior cricketers are reportedly considering skipping the upcoming New Zealand tour, fearing they might be dropped due to their failure to perform in recent matches

According to privy sources, some players have discussed taking a temporary break from the series, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs, scheduled from March 16 to April 5.

Pakistan’s underwhelming performances in the Champions Trophy have left PCB officials dissatisfied. However, instead of facing the possibility of being dropped, some players are contemplating withdrawing voluntarily to avoid the stigma.

Read: Rain washes out Pakistan-Bangladesh Champions Trophy dead-rubber 

Speculation is rife that key players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam would possibly be facing the axe.

Pakistan's Champions Trophy journey ended on a dismal note, with no wins to their name after their final match against Bangladesh was washed out due to rain at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

This lacklustre performance in the first global tournament hosted in Pakistan since 1996 sparked widespread criticism from fans and the cricket fraternity, with many questioning the efforts of the team and leadership's strategy.

The six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India was particularly painful for the fans, and the team's early elimination raised eyebrows over the lackadaisical performance of senior players. 

Read: Aqib Javed blames lack of experience for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit

The government took notice of the team's poor performance, with PM Shehbaz Sharif's aide Rana Sanaullah stating that the prime minister would personally address the issue and raise it in the cabinet and parliament.

Apart from this, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also announced a comprehensive review of the team's performance, which may lead to changes in the squad and team management.