The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, set to commence on April 18th at home. Notably, the squad includes the return of seasoned players Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who recently rescinded their retirements ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 slated to begin in June. This series, along with subsequent tours to Ireland and England, will serve as preparatory grounds for the upcoming global event.
Wahab Riaz, a member of the PCB selection committee, highlighted the rationale behind including Amir and Imad in the squad. With Haris Rauf nursing an injury and Mohammad Nawaz facing a dip in form, their return brings invaluable match-winning capabilities to the team. Riaz expressed confidence in their ability to contribute significantly to the team’s objectives.
Additionally, Usman Khan, who requested termination of his contract with the Emirates Cricket Board to represent Pakistan, has also been named in the squad for the New Zealand series.
Led by captain Babar Azam, the squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent, including the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan. With Azam at the helm, the team aims to showcase their prowess and fine-tune their strategies ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20I series
Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir
Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha
The first three matches of the series will be held at Rawalpindi on April 18th, 20th, and 21st, followed by the remaining two matches scheduled for Lahore on April 25th and 27th.
In addition to the main squad, the PCB has also named non-travelling reserves, underscoring their commitment to depth and versatility within the team.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the showdown between Pakistan and New Zealand, fans anticipate thrilling encounters and spirited performances from both sides.
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