Pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim have made a striking comeback as Pakistan announce their squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
Both players returned from retirement to join the national team ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled later this year in the West Indies and the USA.
Amir's last appearance for Pakistan was in August 2020 against England, while Wasim, fresh from aiding Islamabad United's victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, is geared up for international action once again.
"The decision to include Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir was a straightforward one, given their availability for selection and considering Haris Rauf's injury and Mohammad Nawaz's current form. Both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities, and we trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team's objectives," stated senior team manager Wahab Riaz, also a part of the selection committee.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had confirmed Usman Khan's availability despite a ban imposed by Emirates Cricket Board and the selectors on Tuesday picked him in the team for the upcoming home series against the Kiwis.
Opener Usman Khan was part of the setup in the Emirates Cricket Board and was available to play for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) team before pulling out in favour of his home nation, incurring a five-year ban from the ECB for not fulfilling his obligations towards the UAE team.
The 17-member squad, which will be led by captain Babar Azam and will feature in the five-match T20I series against the visitors from 18 April to 27 April in the eastern cities of Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Besides Usman, uncapped middle-order batsman Muhammad Irfan Khan was also included in the team after their impressive performances in the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The selectors have also picked wrist spinner Abrar Ahmed, all-rounder Imad Wasim and fast bowler Mohammad Amir for the series, reports Xinhua.
Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohmmad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan
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