Following the Champions Trophy exit, where Pakistan failed to secure a single win, PCB selectors turned their attention to the T20 World Cup next year. With the idea of experimenting with a more aggressive approach, the selectors dropped traditionalists Rizwan and Babar for the five-match T20I contest in New Zealand and picked a new-look side, led by Salman Agha.

According to a report in Telecom Asia Sport, sources told the website that Rizwan was left frustrated at how PCB treated him and Babar after the Champions Trophy and that the duo are slated to meet the board chairman Mohsin Naqvi in the next few days “to get clarity on his selection in the T20I format.” The report added that Rizwan “wants more power as captain or else will resign.”

The PCB source said: “Rizwan will seek more power in the selection of eleven in the match and there is a possibility that if not given full powers then he might resign from ODI captaincy.”

PCB source also confirmed that Rizwan argued with Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aaqib Javed, over the selection matters. Rizwan wanted five regular bowlers in the playing XI during the ODI series against New Zealand for the first two matches.

Foreign coaches in line to replace Aaqib Javed

The report further said PCB has told Javed that a few foreign coaches are in line to replace him. The former Pakistan quick had taken over the role of a coach of the white-ball team in November last year till the end of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Pakistan players are currently in the midst of the ongoing Pakistan Super League, which will continue till May 18. Pakistan will then host Bangladesh for five T20Is.