Pakistan-origin Antum Naqvi included in Zimbabwe T20I squad, Sikandar Raza set to lead versus India

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a youthful squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) series against India, with seasoned all-rounder Sikandar Raza named as captain.

A significant addition to the squad is Antum Naqvi, a 25-year-old batter born in Belgium, whose selection is contingent upon the approval of his citizenship status. Naqvi, born in Brussels to Pakistani parents, moved to Australia before expressing a desire to play for Zimbabwe. He has applied for naturalization and, if granted, he will provide a considerable boost to the Zimbabwean lineup. Naqvi has demonstrated impressive form in domestic cricket, with a strike rate of 146.80 in T20s and averages of 72.00 in first-class and 73.42 in List A cricket.

Under the leadership of new head coach Justin Sammons, Zimbabwe aims to rebuild following their failure to qualify for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

The squad welcomes back key players such as Tendai Chatara, Wessly Madhevere, Brandon Mavuta, Dion Myers, Innocent Kaia, and Milton Shumba. Retained from the previous squad are Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Faraz Akram.

However, five players from the last T20I series against Bangladesh in April have been omitted. Veterans Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were not considered for selection, and Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu did not make the cut.

The series will kick off at the Harare Sports Club, with the first two matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Zimbabwe squad

Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba