The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on April 9, 2024, announced the Pakistan squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The series will begin on April 18.
Two big names, who recently unretired from international cricket, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, have been named in the 17-man squad, which will be captained by Babar Azam.
Imad has played 66 T20Is in which he has scored 486 runs at a strike-rate of 131.7 and taken 65 wickets at an economy-rate of 6.26. He last played for Pakistan 12 months ago at his home ground in Rawalpindi against New Zealand.
Amir, meanwhile, who last played for Pakistan in August 2020 at Old Trafford against England, has played in 50 T20Is in which he has taken 59 wickets at an economy-rate of 7.02.
"The decision to include Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir was a straightforward one, given their availability for selection and considering Haris Rauf's injury and Mohammad Nawaz's current form. Both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities, and we trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team's objectives," Selection committee member and senior team manager Wahab Riaz said in a press statement released by PCB.
On the other hand, Usman Khan, who hit two centuries in recent PSL 2024 and batter Irfan Khan have earned maiden Pakistan T20I call-ups.
Irfan Khan of Karachi Kings was adjudged the Emerging Player and Best Fielder of the PSL 9 after scoring 171 runs at a strike-rate of 140.16. Overall, he has played 34 T20s in which he has scored 499 runs at a strike-rate of 135.96.
Usman Khan has featured in 36 T20s, in which he has scored 1,207 runs at a strike-rate of 146.12.
He was recently banned by Emirates Cricket Board for five years from playing cricket in UAE for breaching the terms of his contract with the board. This was because Usman Khan committed himself to Pakistani cricket.
“Being chosen to represent one’s country is the ultimate dream and goal for any athlete. Today, I am absolutely thrilled and filled with joy as the selectors have granted me the opportunity to be part of the upcoming series against New Zealand. This selection validates the relentless effort and dedication I have poured into my craft, and I am fully committed to upholding the high standards I have set for myself,” Usman Khan said as per PCB release.
Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is:
Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan.
Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha.
(PCB inputs)
