Captain, chief selector were not consulted over Masood’s appointment as vice-captain

The left-hander has also been left out of the playing XI for the first ODI against New Zealand

By Web Desk
January 09, 2023
Masood was appointed as vice-captain in place of Shadab Khan — AFP

Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam and interim chief selector Shahid Afridi were not consulted over the appointment of batter Shan Masood as the vice-captain of the ODI team for the series against New Zealand.

According to Geo News, the left-hander has also been left out of the playing XI for the first ODI which is set to be played in Karachi today.

Masood was appointed as vice-captain in place of Shadab Khan, who was not considered for selection due to a finger injury.

However, a PCB spokesperson stated that the appointment of team’s vice-captain is the prerogative of the chairman.

Meanwhile, leg-spinner Usama Mir is also likely to make his debut during the opening match of the series against New Zealand.

Pakistan have a chance to become the number one ODI team in the world during the upcoming series against New Zealand.

If Pakistan whitewash New Zealand 3-0 during the three-match series, they will jump to the number one spot in the rankings with 114 rating points.

The Men in Green are currently in fifth place with 107 rating points. Meanwhile, New Zealand are at the top of the table with 116 rating points.

If Pakistan win the ODIs against New Zealand, it will be their fourth series win in a row.

In their previous three ODI series, Pakistan have defeated Netherlands, West Indies and Australia.

Pakistan’s likely playing XI for first ODI

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. 

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