Hours after withdrawing from Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand due to his daughter’s illness, newly-appointed batting coach Mohammad Yousuf confirmed he would be traveling with the squad. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially announced his withdrawal but later issued a revised statement after Yousuf’s daughter’s health improved.
“Doctors have informed me that my daughter’s health is now better, so I am going with the team to New Zealand,” Yousuf stated.
Pakistan’s squad departed early Wednesday for a five-match T20I and three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The team wrapped up its short training camp at LCCA Ground, with fresh faces like Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali eager to prove their mettle.
New Players Ready to Make an Impact
Power-hitter Abdul Samad, selected after impressive performances in the Champions T20 Cup, shared his excitement, saying:
“The management has asked me to play my natural game according to the situation. New Zealand is a strong side, but we have our bases covered.”
Meanwhile, opener Hasan Nawaz, the first player from Layyah to make the national squad, expressed his readiness:
“I’m prepared to bat at any position. The conditions in New Zealand are tough, but we’ve been encouraged to play fearless cricket.”
Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Ali, returning to the squad after representing Multan Sultans in PSL, sees this as a major opportunity:
“I’m confident in handling the pressure of T20Is. My focus is to contribute towards Pakistan’s victory, not compete with others.”
Pakistan Seeks Redemption in New Zealand
Following a disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy, where they exited in the group stage, head coach Aaqib Javed has emphasized a shift in approach:
“We want to show more intent and build a strong unit for the T20 World Cup.”
With a mix of youth and experience, Pakistan hopes to bounce back against a formidable New Zealand side.
Pakistan Squads for the New Zealand Tour
T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan.
ODI Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir. (A wicketkeeper-batter will be added to the ODI squad after the T20I series).
