The bowler, who has participated in 50 Twenty20 Internationals, has claimed 59 wickets at an economy rate of 7.02.
17-member Pakistani squad for the five-T20I series against New Zealand includes all-rounder Imad Wasim and star pacer Mohammad Amir, both of whom have made incredible comebacks in the game of cricket. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening game of the five-match Twenty20 International series on April 18 while Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the final game on April 27. In order to participate in the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Amir and Wasim both decided to revoke their decisions to retire.
“Fast bowler Muhammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim are both listed in the squad. Following their retirement last month, the two seasoned players were once again eligible, according to a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday.
Imad has participated in 66 Twenty20 Internationals, during which he has amassed 486 runs at a 131.7 strike rate and claimed 65 wickets at a 6.26 economy rate. He last competed for Pakistan against New Zealand 12 months ago at his home field of Rawalpindi.
Amir last competed for Pakistan against England at Old Trafford in August 2020. He has participated in 50 Twenty20 Internationals and claimed 59 wickets at an economy rate of 7.02.
In the meantime, Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam returned to the team and will captain it in the forthcoming home series against New Zealand.
Haris Rauf, who was just added back on Pakistan’s central contract list, was unable to make the cut since he is still recovering from a shoulder injury that ended his PSL season.
Azhar Mahmood, a former all-round player, has been appointed head coach of Pakistan for the next five-match series, marking another change to the team’s coaching staff.
In addition, he will have the services of Saeed Ajmal, who will coach spin bowling, and Muhammad Yousuf, who will coach batting, as well as Wahab Riaz, who was the team manager before.
In the meantime, Pakistani Army trainers are holding a fitness camp in Kakul where the men’s cricket squad is now participating.
Following the return of Amir and Imad, newly appointed senior team manager Wahab Riaz said in a PCB statement, “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.”
“There is no denying that Amir and Imad can win a game, and we have faith that they will continue to put in great performances to support the team’s goals. For Pakistan, this series is very important as we get ready for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies in 2024. We want to look inward and see where we can make improvements, instead of only concentrating on the formidable New Zealand side. He continued, “I think players will take advantage of the chances to bolster their World Cup claims.
Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan and Zaman Khan.
Haseebullah Khan, Muhammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, and Salman Ali Agha are the non-traveling reserves.
