Wahab gives update on fitness of Naseem, Hasnain, Shadab and Ihsanullah

Pakistan men's chief selector, Wahab Riaz, has announced a 17-member squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting from January 12 in Auckland.

While speaking in press conference in Lahore, Wahab gave an update on the fitness status of Pakistan pacers.

“Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah has recovered. Naseem is undergoing rehab at the NCA. We don't want to put too much load on him. Hopefully by the PSL, he will be fit to turn out for Islamabad United. Mohammad Hasnain has also just regained fitness, and we've called him to the academy to assess him,” Wahab said. 

However, Wahab Riaz expressed less optimistic news regarding Ihsanullah's recovery, stating that additional time is needed before he can regain full fitness. There is uncertainty about his availability for the upcoming PSL matches.

“Unfortunately, Ihsanullah will take some more time to regain fitness - we're not sure if he'll be able to play this PSL,” he added.

Addressing the significance of Shadab Khan in Pakistan's T20 cricket, Wahab Riaz noted that the all-rounder sustained an ankle injury during the National T20.

“Shadab Khan is a very important member of Pakistan T20 cricket. 

Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury (during the National T20) and requires two further weeks of rehab. After that, he'll be available to bowl,” Wahab Riaz said.

Pakistan squad: Shaheen Afridi (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan