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Pakistan’s tentative squad for New Zealand T20I series finalised

The series begins on April 18

April 02, 2024

Babar Azam plays a shot during match against New Zealand. - PCB

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could announce the national squad for the T20I series against New Zealand in a couple of days, Geo News reported.

The consultation process has begun to finalise the names in Kakul, Abbottabad, where the national squad is currently taking part in a training camp.

Consultation over finalising the names is underway between skipper Babar Azam and national selectors in Kakul, where players are undergoing strict physical training under the supervision of Pakistan Army staff.

A day earlier, the captain and selectors held a meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for the same reason.

The sources said since it was a home series, an 18-member squad was expected to be announced.

Fast bowler Haris Rauf, who suffered a shoulder injury during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, is not completely fit and would continue the rehab process.

The players under consideration for the five-match series are Babar, Saim Ayub, Muhammad Rizwan, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Imad Waseem, Muhammad Amir, Zaman Khan, Usman Khan, Wasim Jr, Irfan Niazi and Abbas Afridi. Whereas, Fakhar Zaman’s hand injury is being reviewed.

Meanwhile, there are also reports that the leading pacer Shaheen may miss a part of the New Zealand series in line with the policy of the cricket board to lessen the burden on team’s key fast bowlers.

The News reported Tuesday that there are ongoing consultations on the matter to protect the pacers from unnecessary burden and test the form and fitness of newcomers.

On the flip side, the fast bowlers who are making a comeback have more chances to be included in the T20I series against the Kiwis.

There are chances that leading fast bowlers including Shaheen will be rested for the first part of the series or the complete series against the visitors.

The two teams will play three T20Is at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on 18, 20 and 21 April. Following that, both sides will move to Lahore, where they will play the remaining two T20Is of the series on 25 and 27 April, respectively.

Sohail Imran

Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.

Comments

Abdullah Shahzad commented 6 months ago

No Abrar, Shocking.

Ghulam mohiyuddin commented 6 months ago

Abrar is an amazing spinner...should be added in squad

Mubashir Malik commented 6 months ago

Very good squad happy to see new players including Usman khan Irfan niazi and old players like Imad and Aamir has good added best of luck team Pak

Faisal commented 6 months ago

Good squad. Shaheen Irfan niazi and abbas afrid kyun hain

Faisal commented 6 months ago

Umar akmal, Ahmad shehzad, Umar amin or Ihsanulla kahan haai?

Konsi dunya me re rhe ho commented 6 months ago

Konsi dunya me re rhe ho

Aziz Ahmad Tahir commented 6 months ago

Akmal shahzad Awar porano nay Apnay Aap ko poora kiya hay Ab nai logou ko chance teek hay

Qamarzaman commented 6 months ago

Babar is not good captain rizwan is the best choice he is a fighter and good captaincy skils as well he proved in four edition

Abdul wajid commented 6 months ago

Best team at this time

Safi Ur Rehman commented 6 months ago

That's great to hear that imad and Aamir a part of the team. Great come back. I wish team have now much better bowling attack and include allrounder as well. Good luck team Pakistan ❤️