Despite disagreements over fast bowler Haris Rauf’s decision to forego the test tour of Australia, Pakistan has called up three players for the first time to the Twenty20 team for the five-match series in New Zealand that begins next month.
The 17-man team for the series, which will serve as both countries’ T20 World Cup preparations, includes wicketkeeper-battler Haseebullah Khan and right-arm bowler Abbas Afridi, who are yet to be capped.
Leg Spinner Usama Mir, who featured in Pakistan’s World Cup squad for the 50-over tournament in India, will also hope to make his T20I debut in a new-look squad to be captained by pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi for the first time.
White-ball specialist Rauf will return to Pakistan colours after incurring the wrath of the nation’s cricket board for opting out of the ongoing three-test series against Australia.
The board later gave him permission to play a limited role in Australia’s Big Bash League with the Melbourne Stars.
Test captain Shan Masood and batter Mohammad Haris have been rested for the New Zealand T20s, while spin bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan and young quick Naseem Shah will miss out due to injuries.
Chief selector Wahab Riaz said Pakistan, runners-up to England at last year’s T20 World Cup in Australia, would use the New Zealand tour to build depth before the global showpiece in the United States and West Indies in June.
