Shaheen Afridi is set to lead a formidable 17-member squad in the upcoming T20I bilateral series against New Zealand, kicking off on January 12.
This marks Afridi’s inaugural stint as the full-time T20I captain, following the culmination of the ICC World Test Championship series against Australia.
Unfortunately, seasoned all-rounder Shadab Khan, previously the vice-captain in the Men’s T20 World Cup, will be absent due to an ankle injury sustained during the National T20.
Chief Selector Wahab Riaz shared that Shadab will undergo two more weeks of rehab before returning to the bowling lineup.
The squad boasts fresh faces, including three wicketkeepers. Notably, Mohammad Haris, who made waves in the T20 World Cup, is rested to provide opportunities for other promising players from domestic cricket.
Azam Khan, one of the three wicketkeepers, receives special acknowledgment from Riaz, emphasizing the importance of skills over fitness.
As the son of former wicketkeeper Moin Khan, Azam Khan is slated to occupy the No.6 spot, with Riaz highlighting his match-winning potential.
Haseebullah Khan, a 20-year-old sensation from the Pakistan Super League, secures a spot as the other wicketkeeper in the squad.
In terms of bowling options, fast bowlers Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Ihsanullah are excluded due to ongoing recovery and fitness regimens.
The complete Pakistan squad comprises 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, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan.
