Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim were tapped by Pakistan to play visiting New Zealand later this month.
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MOHAMMAD AMIR, IMAD WASIM TAPPED FOR FIVE T20Is
Amir and Wasim were included in the squad that will face New Zealand in five T20Is from April 18 to 27.
The two will join the team for the first time in 2020 and 2023, respectively.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the composition of the lineup on Wednesday.
The team was formed by the PCB since the Pakistan Super League (PSL) concluded play for the past season.
USMAN KHAN, FAKHAR ZAMAN ALSO GETS PCB NOD FOR TEAM
Usman Khan, who officially switched allegiances from the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, also made the team.
Joining Khan is struggling opener Fakhar Zaman, who was picked by PCB selectors despite a tough PSL campaign with the Lahore Qalandars.
“Being chosen to represent one’s country is the ultimate dream and goal for any athlete,” Usman said.
“Today, I am absolutely thrilled and filled with joy as the selectors have granted me the opportunity to be part of the upcoming series against New Zealand,” he added.
PCB SELECTOR DEFENDS AMIR, WASIM PICKS FOR PAKISTAN SQUAD
PCB selector Wahab Rauf described Amir and Wasim as having “undeniable match-winning capabilities.”
“We trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team’s objectives,” Rauf said.
Amir and Wasim, the selector added, both came as able replacements for injured Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz.
Azhar Mahmood was named as the team’s head coach in an ad hoc appointment rather than a long-term arrangement, the PCB said.
“The opportunity to work for my country again was too good to turn down,” Azhar said.
The New Zealand team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 14 in time for the T20Is next week.
