Pakistan vs New Zealand: Haris Rauf Unlikely To Feature In Pak's T20 Squad; Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim To Return - Report

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Pakistan vs New Zealand: Pacer Haris Rauf is unlikely to feature in Pakistan's T20 squad for the home series against New Zealand, slated from April 18. Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who came out of their international retirements, are certain to be selected.

As per a report by Cricket Pakistan, Haris Rauf is expected to sit out the five-match home series as the express pacer is being handled with caution following his shoulder dislocation during the Pakistan Super League last month.

The 30-year-old bowler is considered a vital part of Pakistan team for the Ireland and England series followed by T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA. The report of Rauf's inclusion follows a week after the Pakistan Cricket Board reinstated Rauf's central contract, acknowledging the erroneous decision to revoke it.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised Rauf as a "star player for Pakistan," signaling a significant turnaround in the board's stance.

Among other players, who are likely to be included are Usman Khan, whose stellar performance for Multan Sultans in the HBL PSL 9 has earned him consideration.

The selection committee, led by newly-appointed white-ball skipper Babar Azam, is deliberating over potential players for the T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup in 2024.

With the final squad announcement due on April 5 pending fitness evaluations, the selectors are closely monitoring players' conditions, including key figures like Fakhar Zaman. Azam Khan and Mohammad Rizwan are earmarked for wicket-keeping duties, supported by a promising spin department featuring Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, and Shadab Khan.

The preliminary list for the T20 World Cup includes a roster of prominent names, from Babar Azam to Mohammad Amir, indicating the depth of talent at Pakistan's disposal. Selections for the New Zealand series and upcoming fixtures will be made from this pool, with the selectors aiming to finalize an 18-member squad by April 5.