NEW DELHI: Fast bowler
Mohammad Amir
and left-arm spinner
Imad Wasim
, having reversed their decisions to retire from international cricket, have been included in the 17-member Pakistan squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, commencing on April 18.
The series, spanning over 10 days, will comprise three matches in Rawalpindi and two in Lahore.
Amir, who previously faced spot-fixing charges and served jail time in England, had last represented Pakistan in international cricket in 2020 before opting for retirement to focus on T20 leagues.
His return marks a significant development, especially after his differences with former coaches Misbah ul Haq and Waqar Younis prompted his initial retirement.
Imad, a spin all-rounder, had announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2023. However, he reversed his decision following persuasion from the board and selectors, particularly after an impressive performance in the Pakistan Super League where his team clinched the title.
"I trust that both players will continue their upward trajectory, sparing no effort in proving themselves worthy of the selectors' and captain's trust and confidence," selector Muhammad Yousuf said.
The selection committee comprising Yousuf,
Abdul Razzaq
, Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz and Bilal Afzal told the media those who have performed consistently have been rewarded.
They also called up uncapped batsmen
Usman Khan
, Irfan Khan Niazi and spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Wahab defended Amir's selection, who was roundly criticised recently by former Test captain and commentator, Ramiz Raja for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.
Ramiz had said if he had been in charge and even if his son had done spot-fixing he would never have allowed him back into the team.
"I think Ramiz Raja's comments were very negative and you can't say such things about an individual. Even our religion allows a second chance to even someone who has been convicted of a crime," Wahab said.
Wahab also said Amir was recalled from retirement as he had been bowling very well in leagues and secondly the selectors wanted to manage the workload of all pace bowlers.
"The decision to include Imad and Amir was a straightforward one, given their availability for selection and considering Haris Rauf's injury and Mohammad Nawaz's current form.
"Both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities, and we trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team's objectives," Wahab added.
Yousuf said that in a recent meeting with all the players, the selectors had clearly communicated their selection policy and strategy to all elite players, and there is complete alignment within the group.
Wahab also said that they is no internal politics in the Pakistan camp.
The PCB selection committee has no chairman and under a new policy, the captain, Babar Azam in this case and the head coach are also on the committee with data analyst, Bilal Afzal.
Interestingly, Afzal was a former caretaker minister for planning and coordination in the cabinet of former caretaker CM of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, who now heads the PCB.
There is no known cricket background of the former minister but he was appointed on the selection committee last month.
The team selection was done by majority voting the first time this has happened in Pakistan cricket history as in the past the chief selector had final say.
The New Zealand squad coming for the series is without ten of their first choice selections including Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Michael Santner, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Will Young, Henry Nichols who are either busy in the Indian Premier League or English county cricket or have taken a break.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (Capt), Muhammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Amir, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir.
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi.
(With PTI inputs)
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