Significant alterations are anticipated in Pakistan's T20 squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
The squad is likely to feature the addition of three wicketkeepers and six fast bowlers.
Anticipated changes are on the horizon for Pakistan's lineup in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand next month, as reported by Geo News sources on Tuesday. Wahab Riaz, the team's chief selector, is set to unveil the squad at 3 pm today. The series is scheduled to take place in New Zealand from January 12 to 21, 2024.
Insiders suggest that the squad is expected to feature three wicketkeepers, namely Muhammad Rizwan and Azam Khan. Additionally, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan are likely to secure spots in the 17-player lineup. Farhan, the top scorer in the recently concluded domestic T20 in Karachi, is poised for a return to the Pakistan team after five years, having amassed 492 runs at an average of 44.73 in 12 matches for the Peshawar region.
Azam Khan, the 25-year-old son of former Test captain Moin Khan, is also reported to be part of the national squad for the New Zealand tour, having scored seven runs in the last five T20Is for Pakistan.
Sources indicate that fast bowler Aamir Jamal, who made his T20I debut against England in 2021-2022, is likely to be selected, along with Abbas Afridi, Umar Gul's nephew, who is set to make his debut. Afridi, the leading wicket-taker in this year's Pakistan Super League (PSL) with 23 dismissals, is expected to join the squad.
The T20 squad is also expected to include Test captain Shan Masood, along with pacers Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and Usama Mir. The inclusion of Abrar Ahmed is contingent on fitness, according to sources, making it a squad with at least six fast bowlers.
Sources further note that Mohammad Haris, with six ODIs and nine T20Is for Pakistan under his belt, is likely to be omitted from the squad.
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