PCB announces 17-man squad for T20Is versus New Zealand, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim recalled

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have named a 17-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20I home series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to start later this month.

Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who came out of retirement last month, have been named in the squad. Meanwhile, uncapped middle-order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan and fearless opener Usman Khan have been rewarded for their sensational performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Abrar Ahmed, who has played six Test matches, has been named in the squad and could make his debut for Pakistan in white-ball cricket.

Apart from the 17 players who have been picked in the squad, five others have been named as non-travelling reserves. Mohammad Wasim Jnr is the most experienced player in the list of reserves. Meanwhile, Babar Azam is back at the helm after relinquishing captaincy last year in the aftermath of Pakistan's dismal ODI World Cup 2023 campaign in India. Shaheen Afridi, who took up the role of Pakistan's T20I captaincy after Babar's exit, led the Men in Green to a 1-4 defeat against the Kiwis in a T20I series in January in New Zealand. The left-arm pacer has been sacked after just one series as captain but he has found a place in the squad.

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Breaking into Pakistan is a testament to dedication and effort I have put into my game: Irfan

Irfan Khan, who played for Karachi Kings in PSL 2024, was adjudged the Emerging Player and Best Fielder. He scored 171 runs at a strike rate of 140.16. The Mianwali-born had been a part of Pakistan's Under-19 World Cup squad in 2020 and 2022. Currently 21 years old, Irfan has played 34 T20s and has a strike rate of 135.96.

Besides, Usman scored two centuries and two half-centuries for Multan Sultans and helped his team reach the finals where they lost to Islamabad United off the last ball. In PSL 2022, Usman hit a 36-ball century against Quetta Gladiators and it continues to be the quickest ton in the history of the competition. The 28-year-old has played 36 T20s and has a strike rate of 146.12.

“I am deeply honoured to have been selected in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Breaking into such a formidable team like Pakistan is a testament to the dedication and effort I have put into my game. Now, my focus is on seizing this opportunity and solidifying my position within the team. I am fully committed to continuing to work diligently and proving myself worthy of the trust placed in me by the captain and selectors," Irfan said in a statement released by PCB.

“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 said.

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The first T20I is scheduled to take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, April 18. The second and third T20Is will also be played at this venue on April 20 and 21 respectively. After the first three games, the action will shift to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore where the fourth and fifth T20Is will be played on April 25 and 27 respectively.

Pakistan Squad versus New Zealand:

Babar Azam (captain), 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, and Salman Ali Agha