Pakistan prepares for the World Cup with yet another series against New Zealand.
Change is a constant in Pakistan cricket, evident in the comprehensive preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
It all began with Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in January of this year, encompassing five T20Is, followed by active participation in the Pakistan Super League.
Presently, they are gearing up to host New Zealand for another five-match T20I series, with subsequent tours planned for Ireland and England, comprising three T20Is and four 20-over matches respectively.
Despite the upcoming series featuring primarily a second-string New Zealand team, Pakistan aims to capitalize on the opportunity, strategically building momentum for the ICC event scheduled in the West Indies and the United States from June 1.
This marks Pakistan’s third T20I series against New Zealand since 2023.
During New Zealand’s visit in April 2023, the series ended in a draw, 2-2, under the captaincy of Babar Azam.
Following a subpar performance in the 50-over World Cup, Babar stepped down from captaincy across all formats.
Shaheen Afridi took over as the T20I skipper for the New Zealand tour.
Notably, these changes occurred during Zaka Ashraf’s tenure as PCB chairman.
However, Pakistan faced setbacks under the new leadership, losing four games, prompting Babar’s reinstatement as skipper.
Shortly after, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi assumed the chairmanship of PCB.
The dynamic shifts also extended to the selection committee, which now includes Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, and Wahab Riaz.
Moreover, there has been a transformation in the coaching staff.
Notably, Azhar Mahmood has been introduced as the new head coach, accompanied by Mohammad Yousuf as batting coach, Saeed Ajmal continuing as spin coach, and Wahab Riaz appointed as team manager.
Off the field, Pakistan cricket has been marked by turmoil, prompting crisis talks within the PCB, particularly following Babar’s reinstatement amid controversies attributed to Shaheen.
Despite these challenges, the focus remains on cricket, especially with the impending T20 World Cup.
In the midst of these changes, retirements and comebacks have been a recurring theme.
Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have returned to the squad, aiming to make an impact in the upcoming global event.
Their inclusion was deemed essential, given Haris Rauf’s injury and Mohammad Nawaz’s form.
Both players bring match-winning abilities, adding depth to Pakistan’s campaign.
The squad for the World Cup also introduces two uncapped players, Usman Khan and Muhammad Irfan Khan.
Usman’s impressive performance in the PSL, emerging as the second-highest run-scorer, highlights his potential, while Muhammad Irfan Khan’s contributions for Karachi Kings underscore his talent.
On the opposing side, the Michael Bracewell-led New Zealand team faces challenges due to the absence of key players, presenting an opportunity for others to stake their claim for the World Cup selection.
With several players unavailable due to IPL commitments, injuries, or personal reasons, New Zealand’s lineup will feature fresh faces, including replacements Tom Blundell and Zak Foulkes, alongside uncapped talents Tim Robinson and Will O’Rourke, as they seek to make an impact in Pakistan.
Pakistan Squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| Babar Azam (captain) |
| Abrar Ahmed |
| Azam Khan |
| Fakhar Zaman |
| Iftikhar Ahmed |
| Imad Wasim |
| Mohammad Abbas Afridi |
| Mohammad Rizwan |
| Mohmmad Amir |
| Muhammad Irfan Khan |
| Naseem Shah |
| Saim Ayub |
| Shadab Khan |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Usama Mir |
| Usman Khan |
| Zaman Khan |
New Zealand Squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| Michael Bracewell (captain) |
| Tom Blundell |
| Mark Chapman |
| Josh Clarkson |
| Jacob Duffy |
| Dean Foxcroft |
| Ben Lister |
| Cole McConchie |
| Zak Foulkes |
| Jimmy Neesham |
| Will O’Rourke |
| Tim Robinson |
| Ben Sears |
| Tim Seifert |
| Ish Sodhi |
Matches Schedule are as follows:
| Date | Matches | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18, 2024 | 1st T20I | 7:00 PM | Rawalpindi |
| April 20, 2024 | 2nd T20I | 7:00 PM | Rawalpindi |
| April 21, 2024 | 3rd T20I | 7:00 PM | Rawalpindi |
| April 25, 2024 | 4th T20I | 7:00 PM | Lahore |
| April 27, 2024 | 5th T20I | 7:00 PM | Lahore |
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