PAK vs NZ: Arafat Minhas, Basit Ali and Mohammad Zeeshan added to Pakistan's Test squad for exposure

Three young teenagers from Pakistan Junior League (PJL) - all-rounder Arafat Minhas, top-order batter Basit Ali and right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Zeeshan have been included in Pakistan's squad for the ongoing home Test series against New Zealand.

Shahid Afridi, the newly appointed chair of the men's interim selection committee, stated that the management is looking towards the future with the addtion of the three players. 

"We are not only looking at the present but also have an eye on the future. In this relation, we have added three top-performers from our age-group cricket so that they can spend time with their stars in the national side and learn how to plan and prepare for high pressure matches.

Although the three players will not be available for selection, this initiative will fast track their progress and provide them better awareness, understanding and knowledge about the rigours and demands of top-grade cricket,” said Shahid Afridi.

Arafat was adjudged the best all-rounder of the inaugural season of the PJL as he amassed 178 runs and took nine wickets for Gwadar Sharks. Meanwhile, Bahawalpur Royals’ Basit Ali was announced as the best batter of the league after finishing as the top-scorer with 379 runs. Basit’s teammate, Mohammad Zeeshan was deemed the best bowler of the tournament with 14 wickets.

Pakistan aims to groom youngsters

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the inclusion of the players through a press release and the move is expected to bear fruits in the future.

“As part of its strategy and vision to develop, grow and incentivise high-performing talented youngsters, the Men’s Interim Selection Committee has added three top-performers from age-group cricket to the Pakistan Test squad with the objective of providing them international exposure and experience,” stated a PCB press release issued on Tuesday, December 27.

The management is on course to groom young players and is on the lookout to build a strong future. Assuming they make the cut in the playing XI of the side in the near future, it will hand them major experience.