Experienced batter Sikandar Raza has been handed the responsibility of leading a young Zimbabwe squad in the five-match T20I series against defending champions India, commencing on June 6.
Zimbabwe Cricket has announced it included Belgium-born Antum Naqvi in the team, which is subject to confirmation of his citizenship status. Born to Pakistani parents in Brussels, Naqvi later shifted to Australia, but due to his interest in representing Zimbabwe and appearing for naturalization, he came under their radar.
Under Raza, with a new head coach in Justin Sammons, Zimbabwe has opted for a youthful lineup in an attempt to rejuvenate after missing out on the recent T20 World Cup.
Raza, 38, with 86 matches to his name, is the oldest player in the team, and he will be joined by 29-year-old Luke Jongwe, who has played in 63 games. The squad includes associates in the form of practiced bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, who have turned out in 52 and 51 T20I performances, correspondingly.
Other noted exclusions are both veterans Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, while Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu were overlooked too.
The full Zimbabwe squad for the series is as follows: Sikandar Raza, captain; Akram Faraz, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, and Milton Shumba.
Read also | Vancouver Knights Entrust Captaincy to Mohammad Rizwan for GT20 Canada
Read also | Virat Kohli Expresses Gratitude to PM Modi After India's T20 World Cup Victory
