In preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan has announced a formidable 17-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, featuring fresh faces and seasoned players. The squad, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi in his maiden captaincy role, includes promising talents, returning stars, and experienced campaigners to take on New Zealand in a five-match T20 series scheduled from 12 to 21 January 2024.
The selection committee, headed by Wahab Riaz, introduced three newcomers – Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Haseebullah, and Usama Mir – to the T20I squad, acknowledging their standout performances during the recent domestic season. Additionally, Sahibzada Farhan, with his impressive batting prowess in the National T20 Cup 2023-24, has made a comeback. This series marks a significant milestone as Shaheen Shah Afridi takes charge of Pakistan for the first time, leading the squad in this crucial series.
The tour of New Zealand, serving as the initial phase of preparations for the T20 World Cup, emphasizes the team’s strategy to groom new talents and fortify the side’s depth. The five-match series spans across Auckland, Hamilton, Dunedin, and Christchurch.
New Faces in the Squad
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi: The 23-year-old right-arm pacer, representing Peshawar, caught attention as one of the top wicket-takers in the National T20 Cup with 14 scalps.
- Haseebullah: Known for his exceptional performances during the domestic season, the wicketkeeper-batter was hailed as the player of the tournament in the recent Pakistan Cup.
- Usama Mir: The leg-spinner, making a mark in ODIs earlier this year, has earned his maiden call-up to the T20I squad.
- Sahibzada Farhan: With a commendable performance in the National T20 Cup, Farhan’s powerful batting display secured his return to the squad.
This robust squad also includes the return of uncapped Abrar Ahmed and Azam Khan, who last played for Pakistan in March 2023. The selectors have opted for six pace options, ensuring depth and variety in the bowling department.
However, injuries sideline Naseem Shah, Ihsanullah, and Shadab Khan, while the squad excludes Shan Masood, Mohammad Haris, and Faheem Ashraf from the touring party.
A preparatory training camp has been planned from 28 December 2023 to 3 January 2024 in Lahore, where the selected players will gear up before departing for New Zealand on 3 January 2024. Additional players have been invited to the camp to further hone their skills and be part of the team’s backup options.
The complete squad comprises: 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, chief selector of the men’s cricket team, emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and building a robust pool of players to represent Pakistan effectively in upcoming tournaments. He highlighted the need to explore new talent while assessing their potential performances, ensuring a strong squad for future endeavours.
The T20I series schedule is as follows:
- 12 January 2024 – Eden Park, Auckland
- 14 January 2024 – Seddon Park, Hamilton
- 17 January 2024 – University Oval, Dunedin
- 19 January 2024 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 21 January 2024 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
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