Pakistan Squad Announcement Against New Zealand Highlights: PCB announces 17-member squad; Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim return; Shaheen Afridi rested, Mohammad Nawaz dropped

With this, we close this live blog! Pakistan have fielded a strong side against New Zealand. A good performance in the home series against the Blackcaps will give the Babar Azam-led side confidence going forward.

Naseem Shah T20I Stats

In his T20I career for Pakistan, left-arm pacer Naseem Shah has participated in 19 matches, claiming 15 wickets. His bowling average stands at 34.67, while he has conceded approximately 7.31 runs per over. Notably, his best individual performance saw him secure figures of 2 for 7.

PAK Squad vs NZ Live Updates

In 90 T20Is, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has aggregated 2981 runs for Pakistan. The right-handed batter has slammed 1 century in the T20Is for Pakistan and averages a whopping 48.86. Rizwan has also notched up 26 fifties.

PAK vs New Zealand Live Updates

Iftikhar Ahmed - the middle-order batter - has represented his nation in 54 T20Is and scored a total of 858 runs. He has slammed four fifties and averages 25.23. The strike rate of the senior batter is 129.02. The right-arm spinner has also picked up 7 wickets in the T20Is.

Fakhar Zaman T20I Stats

Fakhar Zaman - the left-handed top-order batter - has played 81 T20I matches for the Men in Green and amassed 1559 runs at an average of 21.95. He has slammed 9 fifties, with 91 being the highest. His strike rate is a healthy 130.56 in the T20Is.

Pakistan Team Announcement Live Updates

Babar Azam T20I stats: The right-handed top-order batter has played 109 T20Is for Pakistan and amassed 3698 runs so far. The star batter has slammed 3 centuries, with 122 being the highest score.

Gary Kirsten to be new Pakistan coach?

Pakistan's selection committee member and batting coach Mohammad Yousuf, during the press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, also hinted that former South Africa cricketer Gary Kirsten - who led India to the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph - will become Pakistan's new head coach.

Why Pakistan selectors picked up Imad & Amir?

The inclusion of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir was a clear decision, taking into account their availability for selection and the circumstances surrounding Haris Rauf's injury and Mohammad Nawaz's current form. With their proven match-winning abilities, both Amir and Imad are expected to consistently deliver strong performances, thereby enhancing the team's objectives.

Pakistan Team Against New Zealand Announcement Live

Usman Khan had this to say on his selection in the Pakistan T20I side, "Being chosen to represent one's country is the ultimate dream and goal for any athlete. Today, I am absolutely thrilled and filled with joy as the selectors have granted me the opportunity to be part of the upcoming series against New Zealand.

"This selection validates the relentless effort and dedication I have poured into my craft, and I am fully committed to upholding the high standards I have set for myself."

Pakistan Team Announced Live Updates

Selection committee member and senior team manager Wahab Riaz shed light on the inclusion of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir in the squad, stating that the decision was straightforward considering their availability for selection.

This decision was also influenced by Haris Rauf's injury and Mohammad Nawaz's current form. Riaz emphasised that both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities and expressed confidence in their ability to consistently deliver strong performances to further the team's objectives.

Meanwhile, Amir took to his handle on X, to express his delight.

BISMILLAH HIR-RAHMAN-NIR-RAHEEM. pic.twitter.com/pgr6weyVML

— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) April 9, 2024

PAK Team Announcement Live Updates: Mohammad Amir returns

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir, who last represented Pakistan in August 2020 at Old Trafford against England, boasts an impressive T20I career. With 50 matches under his belt, he has taken 59 wickets at an economy rate of 7.02.

Pakistan Cricket Live Updates

Before announcing his retirement, Imad Wasim had amassed an impressive record in T20Is, having played 66 matches, scoring 486 runs at a strike rate of 131.7. In addition to his batting prowess, the tall left-handed all-rounder has also proven himself as a valuable asset in the bowling department, claiming 65 wickets at an economy rate of 6.26. His last appearance for Pakistan was 12 months ago at his home ground in Rawalpindi, where he faced New Zealand.

Mohammad Yousuf congratulates Irfan and Usman

Mohammad Yousuf, a member of the selection committee and the batting coach, expressed his sentiments regarding the inclusion of Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi and Usman Khan in the Pakistan team for the forthcoming home series against New Zealand. He extended sincere wishes to the duo on behalf of the selection committee, acknowledging that both players have undeniably earned their places through a series of consistent and outstanding performances.

"We hold great optimism and belief in their potential to become key impact players, yet recognise that this requires ongoing dedication and effort. I trust that both players will continue their upward trajectory, sparing no effort in proving themselves worthy of the selectors' and captain's trust and confidence," the legendary Pakistan batter said.

Pakistan Squad Live Updates

Usman Khan of Multan Sultans smashed two centuries and two half-centuries in the most recent event to help his side reach the final where they lost to Islamabad United in a last-ball thriller. In the HBL PSL 8, the 28-year-old Karachi-born right-hander had smashed a 36-ball century against Quetta Gladiators - the fastest century in the tournament's history. Overall, Usman has featured in 36 T20s in which he has scored 1,207 runs at a strike-rate of 146.12.

Pakistan Squad Announcement Against BlackCaps Live Updates

Irfan Khan Niazi - who played for Karachi Kings in the PSL 2024 - was adjudged the Emerging Player and Best Fielder of the tournament. In the PSL 9 season, the 21-year-old scored 171 runs at a strike-rate of 140.16. The Mianwali-born Irfan has featured in 34 T20s in which he has scored 499 runs at a strike-rate of 135.96. Irfan has also represented Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cups 2020 and 2022.

Image: Twitter

PAK Squad Live Updates

Abrar Ahmed, the wrist spinner, is the other uncapped player included in the Pakistan squad for the series against New Zealand. Earlier this year, Ahmed was named in the squad for the T20I series against New Zealand but had to withdraw after the Australia Tests due to fitness concerns. He will join Usama Mir as the second wrist spinner in the side.

PAK T20I Team Against NZ Live Updates

Mohammad Amir has made a comeback to the Pakistan cricket team after a hiatus of four years, marking a significant return to international cricket. Additionally, Imad Wasim has reversed his retirement decision and is set to represent Pakistan in international cricket once again.

Pakistan Squad Announcement Live

Usman Khan and Irfan Niazi have received their maiden Pakistan call-up for the five-T20I series against New Zealand at home.

The five non-travelling reserves for Pakistan for the New Zealand series are Haseeb Ullah, M Ali, Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, and Agha Salman.

PAK Team Announced For New Zealand Series Live Update

Wahab Riaz:Babar is one of the most experienced players in the team and he's a world-class batter, that is why we decided to appoint him as the captain ahead of the T20 WC. We removed Shaheen as the captain so that he could focus on his game. Although he has not won any big tournaments as a captain, but Babar was the best choice as WC captain in everyone's opinion. He is eager to take Pakistan forward and intends to win this WC for the team.

No rift between Pakistan Players after Shaheen Afridi's sacking

Wahab Riaz: The atmosphere in Kakul during the team's training camp was very good. The bonding between them was positive. They worked hard together and junked all the rumours of any rift between the players.

Pakistan Squad Announcement Against New Zealand Live Updates

Wahab Riaz: Md Amir and Imad Wasim made themselves available for international criket. They have done well in the recent past in the PSL. Amir doesn't come in as Shaheen's replacement. Workload management is also very important, we are going to rotate our players under this policy so that players are fit during the T20 WC.

PAK Squad vs New Zealand Live Updates

Wahab Riaz: Usman has been doing well in the domestic circuit and he deserves to be a part of the Pakistan team.

Pakistan Squad LIVE Updates

Pakistan Data Analyst: Decision on Azam Khan has been taken by the team management unanimously. We believe he has the potential and should be given a longer rope to help him find his form and help us win the T20 World Cup.

PAK Squad Vs New Zealand Live Updates

Wahab Riaz: Mohammad Nawaz has been dropped from the team due to his non-performance. Imad Wasim comes in as a like-for-like replacement. Haris Rauf is unfit for selection.

PAK T20I Squad Announcement Live Updates

Wahab Riaz: I have been appointed as the senior team manager of the Pakistan Cricket Team with specific responsibilities. My job will be to optimize player performance. As the manager, I will ensure the implementation of selection and rotation policies by monitoring the workload of players and will also have a significant say in the selection of the playing eleven for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Pakistan Squad Announcement Live Updates

Wahab Riaz announces the Pakistan squad for the New Zealand series. There are 17 members in the squad and five non-travelling reserves. Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, M Abbas Afridi, M Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, M Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan.

PCB Squad Announcement Live Updates

Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the senior team manager of the Pakistan Cricket Team with specific responsibilities aimed at optimizing player performance. According to reports in the Pakistani media, Wahab will play a crucial role in ensuring the implementation of selection and rotation policies. He will closely monitor the workload of players and will also have a significant say in the selection of the playing eleven for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Pakistan Cricket Team's Army-like training evokes mixed reactions

The Pakistan team is went through a rigorous training at the Army camp in Kakul, where players were subjected to intense physical exercises. It included tasks such as carrying stones, engaging in various workouts, and even receiving sniper shot training. The PCB and players were applauded for their high intensity training while others questioned the logic behind such training when the players have access to hi-tech gyms and professional trainers.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally visited the camp in Abbottabad to oversee the fitness program and interact with the players.

PAK vs NZ Live Updates: Pakistan's performance since 2022 in T20Is

Since 2022, Pakistan has played 13 matches at home in the T20Is and could win only 5 of them and lost 7 and one match was abandoned.