The pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the Pakistan team for the first time, the PCB declared in a press statement.
According to the statement, Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which is slated to take place in June 2024, officially began with the series.
Following “commendable” runs during the domestic season, the PCB announced that leg-spinner Usama Mir, wicketkeeper-battler Haseebullah, and right-arm pacer Mohammad Abbas Afridi had earned their first call-up to the T20I squad.
Azam Khan, who has not played for Pakistan since March 2023 against Afghanistan, and uncapped Abrar Ahmed were also included in the squad, according to the PCB.
Pakistan, meanwhile, chose to use six pace bowling options: Shaheen, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Abbas Afridi, Zaman Khan, and Haris Rauf.
It stated that injuries would prevent Shadab Khan, Ihsanullah, and Naseem Shah from playing for the team.
“The PCB further stated that Shan Masood, Mohammad Haris, and Faheem Ashraf, who were members of Pakistan’s team during the previous bilateral series, are not included in the tour.”
The cricket board said that Pakistan’s T20I tour of New Zealand would comprise five matches, to be played from January 12 to January 21. It also stated that Pakistan would immediately begin a tour of New Zealand following the conclusion of their Test tour of Australia.
