Amir, Imad returns as PCB announces national squad for New Zealand Series

The national selection committee in Lahore announced the Pakistan squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand on Tuesday.

Mohammad Amir, a pacer, and Imad Wasim, an all-rounder, who recently came out of retirement, have returned to the squad for the series, which kicks off on April 18.

The team will be led by the renowned batsman, Babar Azam.

Pakistan’s team for the New Zealand series

Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir

Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha

Riaz, in a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stated, “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."

He added, “We have communicated our overarching selection policy and strategy to all elite players, and there is complete alignment within the group. To ensure the policy’s implementation in letter and spirit, I will closely collaborate with the team management during the series.

“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.”

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

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