In a much-anticipated move, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have returned to bolster the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
The national selection committee members Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Bilal Afzal, Mohammad Yousuf, and Wahab Riaz, unveiled the squad reflecting a blend of experience and promising talent.
Both Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who recently reversed their international retirements, have thrown their hats in the ring for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and have been eagerly welcomed back into the fold.
Amir, whose last appearance for Pakistan dates back to 2020, and Wasim, who featured in New Zealand’s last tour of Pakistan in 2023, bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team.
Among the new faces in the squad is Usman Khan, who caught the eye of the selection committee with his consistent batting prowess during the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.
His impressive form earned him a call-up after showcasing his talent with 430 runs, including two centuries.
Usman Khan was approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and was requested to give up his ambitions to play for United Arab Emirates (UAE) in favour of representing his home country.
Another exciting addition is uncapped right-handed batter Irfan Khan Niazi, whose stellar performance in the PSL saw him rack up 171 runs at an impressive strike rate of 140.16.
Pace bowler Naseem Shah, making his comeback after a hiatus since the Asia Cup in 2019, has earned his place in the squad following a strong showing in the PSL.
However, the squad bid farewell to all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz due to a dip in form, while Haris Rauf’s shoulder injury sustained during PSL 9 sidelines him for the series.
Led by newly reinstated white-ball captain Babar Azam, the Pakistan squad is gearing up to face New Zealand in the five-match series, starting from April 18.
Pakistan squad vs New Zealand
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan, Azam Khan (wk), Abbas Afridi, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, and Zaman Khan.
Non-travelling reserve: Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha
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