Pakistan has unveiled a robust squad for the forthcoming T20I series against New Zealand, with the notable comebacks of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. Both players recently reversed their retirements to strengthen the national team ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States. Amir, absent from Pakistan's lineup since August 2020 against England, and Wasim, fresh off aiding Islamabad United's victory in the 2024 Pakistan Super League, add depth and experience to the squad.
Senior team manager Wahab Riaz stated that Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim were included in the squad due to Haris Rauf's injury and concerns regarding Mohammad Nawaz's form. Rauf sustained a shoulder injury while attempting to take a catch during one of Lahore Qalandars' matches in the PSL. Subsequently, he was spotted with a bandaged shoulder and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
Usman Khan, recently banned from UAE Cricket, has received his first call-up for Pakistan. The right-handed batsman impressed during the PSL 2024, emerging as the second-highest run-scorer with 430 runs from 7 matches, boasting an impressive average of 107.5 and a strike-rate of 164.12. Khan also holds the distinction of scoring the fastest century in PSL history, achieving the feat off just 36 balls.
Irfan Khan, honored as the Emerging Player of PSL 2024, has been selected in the squad as well. Khan, who played for the Karachi Kings, showcased his talent by scoring 171 runs at a notable strike-rate of 140.16 during the tournament. Moreover, he has previously represented Pakistan in the 2020 and 2022 U19 World Cups, highlighting his potential and experience at the international level.
The T20I series between New Zealand and Pakistan is scheduled to take place from April 18 to April 27, with matches set to be held in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
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Pakistan squad
Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan.
Non-travelling reserves
Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha.
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