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The ongoing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy might have reached its penultimate stage where India will take on Australia in a rematch of the 2023 Cricket World Cup final in the first semi-final on Tuesday, March 4, whereas South Africa will lock horns with New Zealand in the second semi-final, scheduled to be played on Wednesday, March 5.
But the hosts of the tournament and the defending champions, Pakistan haven’t had great days after their dismal performance. Although, Pakistan were given the hosting right after 29 years wait, the team could not perform as per the expectations and were knocked out without a single win. Babar Azam, who scored 87 runs in two matches, received a lot of criticism for his slow knock.
Babar Azam likely to be dropped for New Zealand series after poor show in CT 2025
Although his performance caught a lot of eyeballs, he is likely to get into the heat of the situation as reports reveal that Pakistan will look to drop the veteran batter. According to a report in Cricket Pakistan, Babar Azam will be removed from the T20 squad that will be travelling to New Zealand to face the Kiwis in a five-match series, beginning from March 16.
Moreover, there are also discussion on resting most of the senior players from the series and young players getting a chance. Although, none of the officials or members of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have spoken about this, but the reports are rife adding that none of their players have performed as per the expectations.
Speaking of Pakistan’s international assignments, the Men in Green will take on New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, starting from March 16 in Christchurch. After the conclusion of the T20I series, they will then lock horns in a three-match ODI series. The players of the Pakistan team will then feature in their T20 league, Pakistan Super League (PSL) in April - May.
