Shaheen-led 17-member squad named for New Zealand T20 tour

 

Shaheen-led 17-member squad named for New Zealand T20 tour

Touring party includes three uncapped players

Asher Butt

Chief Selector Wahab Riaz Tuesday revealed the 17-member squad for the upcoming Pakistan tour of New Zealand. The squad features several key changes, with Shaheen Shah Afridi set to lead the team in the five-match T20 series. This marks Shaheen's first captaincy assignment following Babar Azam's decision to step down from the role.

The announcement was made during a press conference, where Wahab Riaz, along with consultant Kamran Akmal, addressed the media. The chief selector noted that Shadab Khan would be unavailable due to an ankle injury sustained during the National T20, requiring two weeks of rehabilitation before he can resume bowling.

Wicketkeeper Muhammad Haris has been given a rest, providing an opportunity for fresh faces in the squad. Wahab Riaz emphasized the importance of Shadab Khan in the T20 format and expressed optimism about his return after the recovery period.

The batting order has seen a focus on firepower, with the inclusion of players like Saim Ayub, Haseebullah Khan, and Sahibzada Farhan. Azam Khan makes a return to the side, joining experienced players like Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan to guide the young talents.

"Haseebullah played impactful innings in the PSL and has been consistent in white-ball cricket. While he usually opens in domestic cricket, we are exploring options for numbers four to seven. Players like Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, and Faheem Ashraf had their chances but failed to make a significant impact. Now, we're in a rebuilding phase to identify players for these crucial positions," Wahab Riaz explained.

Regarding the exclusion of Shadab Khan, Riaz emphasized that Shadab was a valuable asset for the national T20 squad. Haseebullah Khan's consistent performance over two years earned him a spot in the squad.

Providing updates on player fitness, Riaz mentioned that Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah, who were initially unfit, have recovered. However, Ehsanullah is expected to take some time to regain fitness, and Abrar Ahmed will not be available for the second Test, for which they are preparing a backup.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the squad, with the vice-captain to be appointed during the pre-series tour. The camp is scheduled to take place from December 28 to January 3.

Noteworthy inclusions in the T20 squad are Abrar Ahmed, Haseebullah Khan, and Abbas Afridi, marking their maiden call-up for the format. There were reports of selectors contemplating dropping Mohammad Rizwan for Azam Khan, but both players have been included, reportedly on Mohammad Hafeez's recommendation.

Wahab Riaz concluded by stating that Shan Masood's name was not considered for the Test team captaincy, emphasizing the importance of integrating young players with senior members for a balanced team.

The team: Shaheen Afridi (c), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mojammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan.

Pakistan tour of New Zealand:

January 12: New Zealand vs Pakistan – First T20I in Auckland

January 14: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Second T20I in Hamilton

January 17: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Third T20I in Dunedin

January 19: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Fourth T20I in Christchurch

January 21: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Fifth T20I in Christchurch