NEW DELHI: Experienced batsman
Sikandar Raza
has been appointed as captain of a youthful Zimbabwe squad for the upcoming five-match
T20I series
against world champions India, starting from July 6 in Harare, PTI reported.
Zimbabwe Cricket announced that Belgium-born Antum Naqvi has been included in the squad, pending confirmation of his citizenship status.
Naqvi, born to Pakistani parents in Brussels, later moved to Australia. He expressed his desire to represent Zimbabwe in international cricket and has applied for naturalization.
Under the leadership of new head coach Justin Sammons, Zimbabwe aim to rebuild after failing to qualify for the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
The squad led by Raza features a young lineup, with the 38-year-old right-hander himself having played 86 matches, making him the most experienced player. Luke Jongwe, aged 29 and with 63 appearances, follows as another key player.
The squad also includes seasoned pacers
Richard Ngarava
and Blessing Muzarabani, with 52 and 51 T20I appearances respectively.
Notably absent from selection are veterans
Craig Ervine
and Sean Williams, along with Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and
Ainsley Ndlovu
, who also missed out on selection.
Zimbabwe squad:
Sikandar Raza (captain), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton.
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