Shaheen To Lead, Shadab Khan Ruled Out As Pakistan Name Squad For NZ T20Is
Shaheen Afridi [Twitter]
Pakistan's Chief Selector, Wahab Riaz, has revealed the 17-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on January 12 in Auckland.
However, the anticipation surrounding the squad announcement is met with the notable absence of key player Shadab Khan. The dynamic all-rounder sustained an ankle injury during the National T20, requiring an additional two weeks of rehabilitation before he can rejoin the team.
The squad, laden with fresh talent, introduces several new faces, including three wicketkeepers. Mohammad Haris, despite delivering noteworthy performances in the T20 World Cup, finds himself excluded, with Riaz clarifying that the decision was a strategic move to explore other talented individuals who have excelled in domestic cricket.
A standout mention goes to Azam Khan, a powerful hitter and one of the three wicketkeepers in the squad.
Pakistan squad: Shaheen Afridi (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, 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
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