Imad, Amir included in Pakistan squad for T20I series against New Zealand

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced a 17-member national squad for the T20I home series against New Zealand.

Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasin, who recently declared their availability for cricket, were also included in the squad.

“The decision to include Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir was a straightforward one, given their availability for selection and considering Haris Rauf's injury and Mohammad Nawaz's current form. Both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities, and we trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team's objectives," the cricket body said in a statement.

🚨 Pakistan squad for five-match T20I series against New Zealand 🚨

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/qnTIhuJYMd#PAKvNZ | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Wa0rjJjJ62

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 9, 2024

“As we prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, this series holds significant importance for Pakistan. Rather than solely focusing on the formidable New Zealand side, we aim to introspect and identify areas for improvement. I [Wahab Riaz] anticipate that players will seize the opportunities presented to strengthen their claims for the World Cup.”

The upcoming five-match series will begin on April 18 and conclude on April 27. Three matches will be played in Rawalpindi, whereas the rest of the two matches will be played in Lahore

Two uncapped player Muhammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan were also added to the 17-player Green Shirts' squad.

Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is:

Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohmmad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan

Non-travelling reserves: 

Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, and Salman Ali Agha