PCB announces 17-member squad; Mohammad Amir, and Imad Wasim return.
The wait is over! Pakistan's national selection committee finally announced the 17-member squad that will take on New Zealand in a thrilling 5-match T20I series. Fans can expect the action to unfold in Rawalpindi and Lahore between April 18th and 27th. Mark your calendars – the team announcement was made on Tuesday, April 9th.
Pakistan Squad vs New Zealand: 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.
Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Hasan Cheema, Mohammad Yousuf, and Wahab Riaz addressed the media
In a media conference held at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday afternoon (after 2:15 PM local time), five members of the six-person national selection committee – Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Hasan Cheema, Mohammad Yousuf, and Wahab Riaz – addressed the media. They not only announced the Pakistan men's T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series in Lahore but also provided insights into the selection process, explaining the reasoning behind player choices and exclusions.
Selection committee member and senior team manager Wahab Riaz explained the inclusion of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, highlighting their immediate availability for selection as a primary factor. This decision was also driven by Haris Rauf's injury and concerns over Mohammad Nawaz's recent form. Riaz stressed the match-winning potential of both Amir and Imad, expressing confidence in their ability to significantly contribute to the team's success.
Amir took to his handle on X, to express his delight after getting picked up in the squad against New Zealand.
BISMILLAH HIR-RAHMAN-NIR-RAHEEM. pic.twitter.com/pgr6weyVML
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) April 9, 2024
Newly-appointed senior team manager of Pakistan Cricket Board Wahab Riaz said: “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."
“As we prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, this series holds significant importance for Pakistan. Rather than solely focusing on the formidable New Zealand side, we aim to introspect and identify areas for improvement. I anticipate that players will seize the opportunities presented to strengthen their claims for the World Cup.”
Pakistan have also revamped their coaching staff for the upcoming assignment, with former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood appointed as the head coach for the five-match series.
He will be flanked by Mohammad Yousuf (batting coach) and Saeed Ajmal (spin-bowling coach) while Wahab Riaz, who was the chief selector, now assumes the role of team manager.
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