PAK vs NZ: Pakistan named the 17-member squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning on January 12. Harris who has been out of the Pakistan setup since Asia Cup 2023 in September is one of the two notable absentees from the squad along with Shadab Khan who missed the series due to an ankle injury. But Pakistan’s Chief Selector, Wahab Riaz has confirmed that both players are still a part of the team’s long-term plans.
“Shadab is a key player in Pakistan’s T20 cricket, especially when it comes to the white-ball game. Unfortunately, he had a setback with a twisted ankle during the season, and he’s in for about two more weeks of rehab before he can hit the bowling crease again. On the other hand, Haris is taking a break. We’ve got some promising first-class performers, and seeing Haris’ potential, we’ve decided to give him a breather. It’s all part of our plan to make the most of our talented bunch of players for the long haul,” said Wahab Riaz.
Pakistan has been playing in International Cricket without any first-choice fast bowler. And their star pacer, Naseem Shah who was injured since September 2023 will not play in this tour as well. But Wahab Riaz announced the good news that Hasnain and Naseem have recovered and Naseem is undergoing rehab at the cricket academy so they don’t want to overload him & he will be available for the PSL 2024. He also said that a similar case is with Hasnain & so they called him in the academy.
PCB went with three Wicket-keepers to find backups ahead of T20 World Cup 2024
Riaz further said that Ihsanullah will need more time to recover & there is a doubt over his availability on PSL. Shadab will also come to the academy after recovering from his ankle injury and he’ll undergo rehab. Notably this T20I series will be Shaheen Afridi’s first series as a full-time T20I captain. Pakistan has picked three wicketkeepers in their squad – Azam Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and the uncapped Haseebullah Khan – in an attempt to find “back-ups” ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean.
Wahab pointed out that all three wicketkeeper-batsmen have a track record of success in both local and international cricket. He acknowledged the past difficulty of not having reliable backups in the team. Looking ahead to the World Cup, there’s a plan to address this by giving some new players a chance.
PAK vs NZ: Wahab Riaz heaped praise on Haseebullah & Azam
He specifically mentioned Haseebullah, who has been playing well in the middle order for Peshawar Zalmi, making a significant impact with his innings. Overall, Haseebullah has been a consistent performer in white-ball cricket for the past few years. Pakistan will also be without the services of Shan Masood who was not considered in the lineup & the board instead trusted impact player Azam.
Wahab emphasized the close observation of Azam, noting that sometimes prioritizing skills over fitness becomes necessary. He stressed the significance of a player who can secure a win for the team, considering it paramount. Discussions with Azam have revolved around fitness levels, delivering a clear message that there’s an intention to invest in him, contingent on his response.
Recognizing the impracticality of expecting significant weight loss in a short period, Wahab mentioned that Azam will be part of the team’s travels. Describing him as an impact player, the aim is to afford him an opportunity while concurrently monitoring his fitness progress. Haris Rauf has backed out from playing the ongoing Test series against Australia & will return for the Pakistan series against New Zealand.
PAK vs NZ: Pakistan squad
Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan
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