LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled the 17-member national squad for the upcoming T20I home series against New Zealand. This much-awaited squad includes notable comebacks and promising debuts.
Pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who recently ended their retirements, have made a comeback to the national side for this series. Additionally, Usman Khan and Muhammad Irfan Khan will make their debut appearances, having impressed selectors with their performances in the Pakistan Super League.
Babar Azam will lead team in five-match T20I series, following his reinstatement as captain for white-ball matches.
The series is scheduled to commence on April 18, with New Zealand’s team expected to arrive in Pakistan on April 14.
During the press conference, Wahab Riaz, the team selector, highlighted the importance of the series in finalizing the World Cup squad before April 25. He mentioned that five players have been kept as reserves, emphasizing their role in proving their worth for the World Cup squad selection.
Regarding the team leadership structure, Wahab addressed Babar Azam’s return as captain and mentioned ongoing discussions about appointing a vice-captain to support Babar’s leadership. The decision on the vice-captain will be announced later, with a focus on the team’s overall benefit and performance.
Wahab also provided an injury update on pacer Haris Rauf, indicating that Rauf is expected to recover in time for the England series but will miss the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand due to his injury.
In a PCB press release, Wahab emphasized the straightforward decision to include Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir in the squad, considering their availability for selection, Haris Rauf’s injury, and Mohammad Nawaz’s current form.
Squad for the T20I series against New Zealand comprises Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan, and Usama Mir.
