Pakistan have announced their Babar Azam-led 17-member strong squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand with two superstars making a comeback to the fold. Babar Azam returns as the white-ball captain for Pakistan and will guide the team in the forthcoming home series against New Zealand. Additionally, the team also welcomes back Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. Both players have decided to come out of retirement to participate in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Meanwhile, Usman Khan, who once used to work as a security guard, has also been included in Pakistan's T20I squad. Notably, the five-match T20I series is set to start from April 18.
Pakistan isn't just shaking things up with their playing squad; they've also bolstered their coaching staff for the New Zealand series. Former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood takes the reins as head coach for the five-match T20I series. Guiding the batsmen will be Mohammad Yousuf, while the legendary spin bowler Saeed Ajmal returns as the spin-bowling coach. There's a change in team management as well, with Wahab Riaz transitioning from chief selector to team manager.
Pakistan team has gone into overdrive to prepare for the upcoming series against New Zealand and T20 World Cup 2024. Following a grueling 29-member fitness camp held in Abbottabad from March 26 to April 8, Babar Azam's squad is ready to hit the ground running. With a busy schedule leading up to the World Cup, Pakistan isn't wasting any time. After facing New Zealand in a five-match series, they'll head to Ireland for a three-match T20I series in early May. Finally, they'll test their mettle against the defending champions, England, in a four-match T20I series.
Pakistan's squad for T20I series vs New Zealand
Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan.
Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha.
Pakistan vs New Zealand's T20I series schedule:
1st T20I, 18 April – Rawalpindi
2nd T20I, 20 April – Rawalpindi
3rd T20I, 21 April – Rawalpindi
4th T20I, 25 April – Lahore
5th T20I, 27 April – Lahore
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