LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to unveil the squad for the forthcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand on April 5th.
Currently, the selection committee members are meticulously evaluating the players’ fitness levels at the Kakul fitness camp. A comprehensive report will be presented to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who plans to visit Kakul today for a direct interaction with the players. Naqvi has explicitly instructed the selectors not to compromise on fitness standards.
Amidst ongoing discussions among the selectors, potential players for the squad are being deliberated upon. Recommendations, in consultation with captain Babar Azam, will be forwarded to the Cricket Board Chairman for final approval.
Sources reveal that selectors are contemplating the adoption of a rotation policy to mitigate injury risks ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. Specifically, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are being considered for selective matches against New Zealand to manage their workload and minimize injury probabilities before the T20 World Cup.
A detailed discussion with Babar Azam regarding the workload management of Shaheen and Naseem is on the agenda. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who recently came out of international retirement, are expected to receive significant playing time to regain match fitness essential for international cricket.
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf are still in the recovery phase from injuries sustained during the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Usman Khan is likely to secure a spot in the squad and is anticipated to bat at the number four position in the playing XI against the Kiwis.
The selectors are anticipated to finalize a squad of approximately 17 to 18 players for the home series, from which the final 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup will be chosen.
The national team’s fitness camp is scheduled to conclude on April 8th. Concurrently, the New Zealand team is gearing up to arrive in Pakistan on April 14th for the five-match T20 series, commencing on April 18th, with three matches slated in Pindi and the remaining two in Lahore.
