by 
Indian cricket team headed by VVS Laxman has left for Zimbabwe. A series of five T20 Internationals is scheduled to take place between Zimbabwe and India. All the matches in this series of five T20 Internationals are to be played at Harare Cricket Club. BCCI has announced the Indian team led by Shubman Gill during the World Cup. With most of the senior players participating in the World Cup, young players who have performed well in the IPL have been included in the tour. At the same time, Zimbabwe has also announced its squad for the T20 international series against India. However, in the meantime the board has included a player in its squad who has not yet acquired Zimbabwean citizenship.
Antum Naqvi has been included in Zimbabwe’s squad for the T20I series against India. However, whether the 25-year-old batsman will play against India depends on his confirmation as a Zimbabwean citizen. Sikandar Raza has been given command of this team. Tendai Chatara, Brandon Mavuta and Wesley Madhavare have been included in the Sikandar Raza-led squad. While there is no place for Ryan Burl, Joylord Gambi and Ainsley Ndlovu in this 17-man squad. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said Craig Erwin and Sean Williams were not considered for selection.
Antum Naqvi, who applied for Zimbabwean citizenship, was born in Belgium to Pakistani parents. However, Antum Naqvi plays for the Rhinos in the domestic circuit in Zimbabwe and scored 300* runs in first-class cricket in January this year. By doing so he became the first batsman to score a triple century for the Zimbabwean team. Antum Naqvi’s average in first class cricket is 73.42.
This will be the first assignment for the newly appointed head coach of the Zimbabwe team, Justin Simmons, who replaces Dave Houghton, who lost his place in the ICC T20 World Cup. Let us tell you that Dave Houghton resigned after Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe squad for series against India: Sikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Jonathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaiya, Clive Madande, Wesley Madhavare, Tadivanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myed, Dion Myders. Nagarwa, Milton Shumba.
Also Read: IND vs ZIM: Team India departs for Zimbabwe tour with VVS Laxman, pictures revealed, see full series schedule here
Also Read: IND vs ZIM: 5 batsmen looking to make a splash on Zimbabwe tour
