The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled a 17-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled from April 18th to 27th in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Fresh Faces and Returning Veterans:
The squad features some exciting new talents, including uncapped middle-order batsman Muhammad Irfan Khan and opener Usman Khan, who impressed during the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The experienced duo of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir also make a comeback after recently reversing their international cricket retirements. Both players participated in the army-organized training camp at Kakul.
Leadership Change and Selection Rationale:
Babar Azam takes over the T20I captaincy from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who remains part of the squad. Selection committee member Wahab Riaz explained the return of Imad and Amir, citing their availability and the need to fill the gaps left by Haris Rauf’s injury and Mohammad Nawaz’s recent form.
Newcomers Earn Their Stripes:
Selection committee member and batting coach Mohammad Yousuf congratulated Irfan and Usman on their well-deserved selections, highlighting their consistent performances. He expressed optimism about their potential as “key impact players” and their commitment to justifying the selectors’ trust.
Expressing Gratitude and Determination:
Both Irfan and Usman expressed their honor and commitment to prove their worth. Irfan emphasized his dedication to solidifying his position within the team, while Usman vowed to maintain his high standards.
Azam Khan’s Inclusion and Captaincy Discussions:
During a press conference, the selection committee addressed questions about Azam Khan’s selection and fitness. Bilal Afzal, another committee member, highlighted his statistics and the strategies devised for him. They aim to provide him with a “big fair chance” to build confidence leading up to the T20 World Cup.
Babar’s Captaincy and Looking Ahead:
Wahab Riaz clarified that Babar is the white-ball captain, with discussions ongoing regarding the vice-captaincy. He emphasized the need for an experienced leader to support Babar, keeping the team’s best interests in mind. He justified Babar’s captaincy for the World Cup due to his experience, acknowledging room for improvement in terms of winning major tournaments.
Usman’s Selection Justified:
Wahab also defended Usman’s inclusion, citing his consistent run-scoring over the past few years. He assured that any off-field issues would be handled by the PCB.
Overall, this revamped squad offers a blend of experience and exciting prospects. The series against New Zealand will be a crucial test for the team and their leadership as they gear up for the T20 World Cup.
 unveiled a 17-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled from April 18th to 27th in Rawalpindi and Lahore.){kind=link}