- PCB is anticipated to reveal the team for NZ series.
- The announcement is expcted to be made on April 5.
- The fitness training camp will conclude on April 8.
Currently, the selection committee members are evaluating the players’ fitness at the Kakul fitness camp. They will submit a comprehensive report to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is slated to visit Kakul today to interact with the players. Naqvi has instructed the selectors that fitness will not be compromised.
The selectors are in the midst of discussions about potential squad members. After consulting with captain Babar Azam, their recommendations will be presented to the Chairman of the Cricket Board for approval.
Sources indicate that the selectors are considering a rotation policy to reduce the risk of injuries in the lead-up to 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 risks ahead of the T20 World Cup.
A detailed discussion with Babar Azam about Shaheen and Naseem’s workload is planned. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, both of whom recently came out of international retirement, are expected to get significant playing time to achieve the match fitness required for international cricket.
Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf are still recuperating from injuries they incurred during the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Usman Khan is likely to be included in the squad and is projected to bat at the number four position in the playing XI against the Kiwis.
The selectors are likely to select around 17 to 18 players for the home series, with the final 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup to be chosen from this group.
The national team’s fitness camp will wrap up on April 8. Meanwhile, the New Zealand team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 14th for the five-match T20 series starting on April 18th, with three matches planned in Pindi and the remaining two in Lahore.
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