In a press conference held on Sunday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced a delay in the revelation of the national squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Originally slated for April 8, the squad announcement has been rescheduled to April 9.
The much-anticipated T20I series is set to kick off on April 18, featuring five matches between the Green Shirts and the Black Caps. Three of these matches are scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two will be held in Lahore, concluding on April 27.
Sources close to the selection process reveal that the 18-member squad will be unveiled during a press conference after the players report to Islamabad on April 14.
Highlighted players expected to make the national team roster include Imad Wasim and Mohammed Amir, both of whom reversed their retirement decisions following discussions with PCB officials.
Among the anticipated selections are stalwarts such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, along with rising stars like Azam Khan and Agha Salman. However, fast bowler Haris Rauf is unlikely to feature due to an ongoing injury.
Usman Khan of the United Arab Emirates has caught selectors’ attention with his standout performance in the Pakistan Super League’s ninth edition (PSL 9), earning him a spot in the squad.
The PCB is also expected to reveal the team management officials in the coming days, with the announcement of the assistant coach anticipated after April 20. Naqvi confirmed that the foreign head coaches’ appointments will be disclosed post-April 15, contingent upon contract negotiations.
Addressing the busy cricketing schedule ahead, Naqvi emphasized the significance of the series against New Zealand amidst upcoming fixtures against Ireland, England, and the T20I World Cup. Additionally, he hinted at hosting a tri-party series in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy, highlighting the nation’s growing stature as a cricketing destination.
As anticipation builds for the series, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the final squad that will don the national colors against New Zealand.
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