In a major boost for Pakistan cricket, star pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim have been recalled to the national squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The series is scheduled to kick off on April 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and will conclude on April 27 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Both Amir and Wasim had previously announced their retirements but have reversed their decisions, making themselves available for selection ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed their inclusion in the 17-player squad, highlighting the return of these experienced campaigners to international cricket.
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Imad Wasim, known for his economical bowling and handy batting in the lower order, has played 66 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 486 runs and taking 65 wickets. His last appearance for the national team was 12 months ago against New Zealand in Rawalpindi. Mohammad Amir, celebrated for his lethal pace and ability to swing the ball, has 59 wickets from 50 T20I appearances. His last game for Pakistan was in August 2020 against England at Old Trafford.
The squad also marks the return of Babar Azam as the captain of Pakistan in the white-ball formats, leading the team once again after a brief period away from captaincy duties.
However, fast bowler Haris Rauf, despite being reinstated in Pakistan’s central contract list, will miss out on the series as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained during the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The coaching staff for the series has been updated, with former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood appointed as the head coach. He will be supported by Mohammad Yousuf as the batting coach and Saeed Ajmal as the spin-bowling coach. Former top selector Wahab Riaz has taken on the role of team manager.
Speaking on the inclusion of Amir and Wasim, Wahab Riaz emphasized the straightforward decision given their availability and the need to bolster the team’s lineup in light of Haris Rauf’s injury and Mohammad Nawaz’s form. He stressed the importance of the New Zealand series as a preparatory phase for the upcoming T20 World Cup, urging players to capitalize on the opportunity to cement their places in the squad.
Squad: 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 and Zaman Khan.
Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan and Salman Ali Agha.
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