Rizwan's mission Down Under: Building squad’s depth for 2025 Champions Trophy

Pakistan’s new white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, is optimistic about the blend of young talent and experienced players as the team embarked on the Australia tour.

While speaking to media in Karachi on Tuesday ahead of their departure, Rizwan emphasized the importance of making a well-rounded squad for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be hosted by Pakistan.

“We have included both young players and experienced players, and have changed some players from the last T20 we played in the World cup. We have also brought in some new faces from the Champions Cup,” Rizwan said.

Fresh talent

Pakistan’s schedule includes a maximum of 12 ODIs before the Champions Trophy, with three each against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, as well as a home tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa.

The Pakistan selectors have introduced fresh faces, with the hope of solidifying the squad's depth.

Uncapped players in the ODI squad for the Australia tour include Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Saim Ayub.

Young all-rounder, Arafat Minhas, has earned Pakistan call-up for the first time.PCB

Following the Australia series, more newcomers, such as Ahmed Daniyal and Tayyab Tahir, will join during the Zimbabwe tour, while key players Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi will return home after the Australian ODIs.

The Australian and Zimbabwe tours are being viewed as opportunities to expand Pakistan’s pool of players, a goal Rizwan views as essential for building a competitive squad.

"We are working to maintain a strong balance as we build towards the Champions Trophy," he added.

Will Fakhar return?

Notable exclusions from the squad include Imam-ul-Haq, who struggled in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and Fakhar Zaman, who has been sidelined due to fitness issues and a controversial tweet supporting Babar Azam. However, Rizwan hasn’t closed the door on experienced openers making a return.

“Imam and Fakhar have been key contributors in white-ball formats,” Rizwan admitted.

Imam has shown promise with consistent performances, with five fifties in eight List A matches this season. Meanwhile, Rizwan also remains hopeful about Fakhar’s situation improving soon.

Fakhar Zaman celebrates after scoring a century against New Zealand during the 2023 ODI World Cup in Bengaluru, India.ICC

“Fakhar is a game-changer who can make an impact in any conditions,” Rizwan commented, adding, “We’re hopeful the issue will be resolved soon.”

Rizwan clarified his approach, focusing on adjustments rather than overhauls.

“There’s no need to change what’s already working,” he said, signaling his intent to balance continuity with strategic inclusion.

Challenging tour

Reflecting on the unique challenges of playing in Australia, Rizwan remarked, “In Australia, conditions are beyond our control, but we’ve prepared the team in consultation with all stakeholders.”

Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball coach following Gary Kirsten’s abrupt resignation, will coach the team solely for the Australia series. Kirsten’s departure came as a response to recent policy changes in Pakistan’s cricket setup, which removed voting rights for coaches and captains in selecting the playing XI.

Gillespie’s short-term appointment shows Pakistan’s search for a permanent white-ball coach, which Rizwan addressed with pragmatism.

“When playing for your country, you go beyond personal roles. Whoever takes up the coaching role, we’ll focus on team success together.”

Rizwan also discussed flexibility in the team’s opening combination in T20Is, hinting at strategic adjustments based on match conditions.

“We’ll do what’s best for Pakistan, whether it’s Babar and me opening or another pair,” he said.

With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, Rizwan is set on preparing a squad equipped to compete at the highest level.

Reflecting on his recent promotion to captaincy, Rizwan shared that he had not sought the role but is deeply honored to lead the team.

"I never aimed for the captaincy, but I'm grateful my voice has been respected over the years. I want each player to feel like a captain—it’s both a privilege and a responsibility, and I hope to inspire future leaders,” Rizwan said.

As Pakistan looks forward to hosting the Champions Trophy, Rizwan expressed hope for a potential visit from the Indian cricket team, a prospect that excites fans on both sides of the border.

“The fans here admire Indian cricketers and would love to see them play in Pakistan,” Rizwan shared, recalling Pakistan’s warm reception in India during their last tour. "If they come, we’ll welcome them with open arms.”

The Australia tour marks a vital step in Rizwan’s journey as new white-ball captain, providing a proving ground for Pakistan’s emerging talents while offering experienced players a platform to return to form.