New Delhi: Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted to offer domestic players a chance to feature in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, according to Geo News sources. The sources revealed that domestic players have been instructed to travel to Lahore for the selection process ahead of the five T20Is against the Blackcaps, starting March 16. Additionally, a meeting will take place between the emerging players and PCB officials.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year in India and Sri Lanka, sending domestic players to New Zealand may be part of the PCB’s long-term plan for the prestigious tournament.
Along with these developments, former wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif proposed a list of emerging players who should be considered for the upcoming series. He recommended players such as Hassan Nawaz, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, and Muhammad Nafay.
Latif also suggested other names for the potential squad, including Muhammad Haris, Sufyan Muqeem, Arafat Minhas, Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Khushdil Shah.
There have been reports suggesting that some Pakistan players are contemplating withdrawing from their upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand. The players are reportedly thinking about taking a “break” from the tour, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs.
These changes in Pakistan’s squad come after their disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy. The return of a global cricket event to Pakistan after nearly 30 years was marred by New Zealand, who spoiled the occasion.
Riding on their success in the ODI tri-nation series, the Blackcaps handed Pakistan a 60-run defeat.
With Pakistan’s campaign at risk and signs pointing toward an early exit for the defending champions, the high-stakes clash against India became a must-win. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s lackluster efforts to secure a victory in Dubai ultimately led to their downfall.
The defending champions were hoping for a favor from Bangladesh to secure a win over New Zealand. However, the determined Kiwis triumphed with a five-wicket victory, eliminating both Pakistan and Bangladesh from the tournament. The final match of the tournament for Pakistan, a meaningless encounter against Bangladesh, was abandoned due to continuous rain.
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