Pakistan selectors prepare probables list for New Zealand series, T20 World Cup

The Pakistan cricket selection committee has commenced discussions with the newly appointed white-ball skipper, Babar Azam, to consider potential players for the forthcoming five-game T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup set to take place in the USA and West Indies in 2024.

The timeline for decision-making is pressing, with the final squad announcement to face New Zealand slated for April 5th, pending the last fitness evaluations from trainers at Kakul Academy. 

This series is just a segment of a broader schedule, encompassing T20I contests against Ireland and England, providing ample opportunity for the team to synchronize and refine tactics in preparation for the World Cup.

The PCB's deadline to submit its World Cup squad to the ICC is 1st May, with a window open for amendments until May 25th. This regulation offers the team management a buffer to assess performances in the intervening series and make necessary adjustments.

Among the players under consideration, Usman Khan's recent exploits have paved his way into the spotlight, due to his exceptional performance for Multan Sultans in the HBL PSL 9. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim will find their names on the approved list. However, fast bowler Haris Rauf is set to miss the New Zealand series, albeit being a crucial part of the team's plans for Ireland, England, and the World Cup campaigns.

The selection committee is also closely monitoring the fitness of key players like Fakhar Zaman, with uncertainty lingering over his availability for the New Zealand series. 

With Azam Khan and Mohammad Rizwan earmarked for wicket-keeping duties, and a promising spin department featuring Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, and Shadab Khan, Pakistan's squad is shaping up to be a formidable force.

The selectors have drafted a preliminary list of potential players for the T20 World Cup through consultations, featuring prominent names like Babar Azam (c), Usman Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Aamir Jamal, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, and Zaman Khan. 

Selections for the series against New Zealand and upcoming matches will be made from this pool of players. The selectors are likely to finalize an 18-member squad for the New Zealand series by April 5.