Lahore, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, with right-arm pacer Mohammad Abbas Afridi, wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah, and leg-spinner Usama Mir earning their maiden call-ups. The series will mark the debut of Shaheen Shah Afridi as the team captain.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the national men’s selection committee, led by Wahab Riaz, assembled the squad for the five-match T20I tour of New Zealand. The series, spanning from January 12 to 21, 2024, will be played across four venues in Auckland, Hamilton, Dunedin, and Christchurch. This tour is also a part of Pakistan’s preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Mohammad Abbas Afridi, who showcased his talent as one of the top wicket-takers in the National T20 Cup, has been selected alongside Sahibzada Farhan, who returns to the squad after a strong performance in the same tournament. Haseebullah’s selection comes following his exceptional showing in the domestic season, particularly in the Pakistan Cup.
The PCB has also recalled Azam Khan, while noting notable exclusions like Naseem Shah, Ihsanullah, and Shadab Khan due to injuries. Shan Masood, Mohammad Haris, and Faheem Ashraf, who were part of the last bilateral series, miss out on this tour.
The squad will assemble for a training camp in Lahore from December 28, 2023, to January 3, 2024, before departing for New Zealand. Nine additional players have been called up for the camp.
The full squad includes Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan.
Wahab Riaz emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and exploring new performers, while also confirming the rest of key players like Mohammad Haris and Shan Masood for future plans.
The series schedule includes matches at Eden Park, Auckland; Seddon Park, Hamilton; University Oval, Dunedin; and Hagley Oval, Christchurch.