LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled the long-anticipated 17-player national team lineup for the forthcoming T20I home series against New Zealand on Tuesday.
Pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who have decided to come out of retirement, are now back in the team for the series. In addition, Usman Khan and Muhammad Irfan Khan are set to make their national debuts.
These two promising players have been chosen by the selectors due to their outstanding showings in the recently finished ninth Pakistan Super League.
Babar Azam has been reinstated as the white-ball captain and will lead his team in the upcoming five-match series. The series is set to begin on April 18, with the visiting team arriving in Pakistan on April 14.
At the press conference, Wahab Riaz, a selection committee member and senior team manager, shared that the Pakistan Cricket Board has revealed a 17-player squad, with five more in reserve.
These reserve players will need to showcase their skills, as they will be crucial in determining the final World Cup squad, which will be confirmed before April 25th.
Regarding the reinstatement of Babar Azam as the white-ball captain and the absence of a vice-captain in the team, Wahab commented: “Babar is our white ball leader. For the vice-captain position, we are still deliberating.
We aim to find a suitable teammate to support Babar. We will carefully consider all options for the team’s improvement and make an announcement later.”
Wahab shared an update on pacer Haris Rauf’s injury, mentioning he should be ready for the England series but will not play in the five T20Is against New Zealand. The selector explained that selecting Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir was a simple decision due to their availability and considering Rauf’s injury and Nawaz’s current form.
A press release from the PCB quoted the selector, who highlighted the exceptional skills of Amir and Imad, stating they are confident in their ability to deliver consistent strong performances that will enhance the team’s goals.
Squad
Captain Babar Azam, 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 form this talented cricket team.
Non-travelling reserves
Haseebullah, Muhammad Ali, Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule
April 14 — New Zealand arrive in Pakistan
April 16-17 — Training/practice
April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi
April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi
April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore
April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore
