Several senior Pakistan cricketers are reportedly contemplating withdrawing from the upcoming tour of New Zealand to avoid the risk of being dropped due to their underwhelming performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, media reported on Friday.
The tour, scheduled from March 16 to April 5, includes five T20Is and three ODIs. However, some players have begun internal discussions about opting for a “break” rather than facing the possibility of exclusion.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly dissatisfied with the team’s performance in the Champions Trophy, where they failed to secure a single win. Pakistan’s campaign ended on a disappointing note with a washed-out match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, following their six-wicket loss to India.
Media reports indicate that players such as Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam could be under scrutiny. In light of this, certain individuals are considering stepping away voluntarily to avoid the stigma of being officially “dropped” from the squad.
Pakistan’s poor showing in the first global tournament hosted in the country since 1996 has not only led to severe criticism from fans and former cricketers but has also caught the attention of government officials.
With growing uncertainty surrounding the squad selection, all eyes are now on the PCB as they deliberate over the team’s composition for the New Zealand tour.
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