Amir, Imad expected to make comeback in T20 squad against New Zealand

Pakistani cricketers Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim are likely to be included in the national squad for the T20I series against New Zealand, sources said on Wednesday.

Recently, Green Shirts' fast bowler and all-rounder declared their availability for cricket, which confirms their participation in the ICC T20I World Cup 2024.

They are also part of a 29-member squad, that is undergoing strict fitness training under the supervision of military staff at the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) in Kakul.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to announce the 18-member squad for a five-match home series against the Kiwis in a couple of days.

However, the cricket body is considering including Amir and Imad in the squad due to their "extensive experience" in cricket, sources informed.

On the other hand, skipper Babar Azam and national selectors are holding consultations over the names of players on a daily basis, sources added.

Pace machine Haris Rauf, who suffered a shoulder injury during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9, is not completely fit and will continue the rehab process.

Sources said that PCB will bench Pakistani star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for a few matches against New Zealand in line with the policy of the cricket body to lessen the burden on leading fast bowlers of the team.