Abrar Ahmed sidelined for T20I series vs. New Zealand

• Abrar Ahmed out of T20I series - fitness concerns.
• Lahore's NCA for rehab.
• Sajid Khan replaces; plays final Test for rested Shaheen.

Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand due to fitness issues. The 24-year-old will be returning home to undergo further rehabilitation at Lahore's National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Abrar Ahmed had previously missed all three Tests against Australia after he reported discomfort in his right leg during a four-day practice match against the PM XI. Despite efforts to regain full fitness, it has been determined that he is not ready to participate in the T20I series.

To fill the void left by Abrar's absence, off-spinner Sajid Khan has been called up as his replacement. However, Sajid was not part of the playing XI in the first two Tests. He is expected to feature in the final Test, taking the place of rested pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The Pakistan squad for the T20I series, captained by Shaheen Afridi, includes notable players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and others. The team will face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, with the first match scheduled for January 12th in Auckland.

Pakistan's T20I squad:

• Shaheen Afridi (c)
• Babar Azam
• Mohammad Rizwan
• Fakhar Zaman
• Saim Ayub
• Sahibzada Farhan
• Haseebullah Khan
• Iftikhar Ahmed
• Azam Khan
• Aamer Jamal
• Abbas Afridi
• Mohammad Wasim Jr
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Usama Mir
• Haris Rauf
• Zaman Khan

The T20I series against New Zealand is set to kick off on January 12th and will continue with matches in Hamilton, Dunedin, and Christchurch on January 14th, 17th, 19th, and 21st, respectively. Pakistan will be keen to regroup and deliver strong performances despite the absence of Abrar Ahmed in the spin department.

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