Pakistan chief selector Wahab Riaz has reassured Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan that they won't be arbitrarily excluded from upcoming matches, according to reports.
This assurance comes in response to concerns raised by the two senior cricketers regarding media reports suggesting that the selection panel was considering resting them for the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand next month.
Currently, Babar and Rizwan are in Australia as part of the team for the ongoing three-Test series. Following the Test series, the team is set to travel to New Zealand for the T20Is, which commence on January 12 in Auckland.
After Pakistan's loss in the opening Test in Perth by 360 runs, speculation arose that the national selection committee might rest the duo for the T20I series in New Zealand. A source close to the players revealed that Babar and Rizwan contacted Riaz from Australia, seeking clarification regarding their participation in the white-ball series against the Blackcaps.
"Babar and Rizwan made it clear to the chief selector that they had never asked for any rest as they were doing fine. Then why were reports circulating in the media that the selectors were going to rest them," the insider said.
The insider disclosed that Riaz, a former Test fast bowler, acknowledged to the pair that he initially proposed the idea of resting them for a few matches against New Zealand but subsequently reconsidered his stance.
"Wahab said he had made the suggestion with other selectors and team management. But all of them convinced him that the New Zealand series was important and was not one where the team could manage without two senior players in different conditions," the source said.
He mentioned that Riaz had guaranteed both Babar and Rizwan that if he ever opted to rest them for a game or series, he would engage in discussions with them, taking their perspectives into account before reaching a conclusive decision.
"Wahab assured Babar and Rizwan they remained the backbone of the Pakistan team and their selection for the five-match T20I series confirmed this. So they had nothing to worry about," he added.
Babar is reportedly experiencing increased pressure, especially after being compelled to resign as captain in all three formats following the conclusion of the World Cup in India.
"The top batsman has concerns about rumours that the selectors and the cricket board wanted to sideline him to try out other players in the coming white-ball games before the T20 World Cup in the West Indies (and USA) next year.
"But the chief selector has assured Babar there is no conspiracy against him and everyone has utmost faith in his abilities," said the insider.
