Lahore: The announcement of the Pakistan team for the series against New Zealand is expected by April 5, Shaheen Shah Afridi is proposed to be rested in the early matches while Naseem Shah will also be fed in the selected matches.
According to the sources, the selectors are still consulting on the potential players of the team, after taking the opinion of the captain Babar Azam, the names will be sent to the head of the cricket board for approval.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi will meet national cricketers including captain Babar Azam at Kakul Academy today. The selectors will give a report on the fitness of the players to the PCB chairman today. The selection committee members are present in the fitness camp these days and they are assessing the fitness of the players in each session. Mohsin Naqvi has instructed the selectors that there will be no compromise on fitness.
On the other hand, Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to be rested for the series against New Zealand. To reduce the workload, the suggestion of resting Shaheen in the opening matches is being considered. Also willing to feed in selected matches to avoid injury and workload.
There will also be a detailed discussion with Babar Azam about Shaheen and Naseem, after which the final decision will be taken in consultation with the board chief.
In view of past experience, the selectors may want to implement a rotation policy to reduce the workload on the available fast bowlers. In view of the World Cup, protecting fast bowlers from injury has been declared as an important priority. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim can be given ample opportunity for match fitness.
The fitness camp of the national team will continue till April 8. The New Zealand team will arrive in Pakistan on April 14 and the five-match T20I series will begin from April 18, with three matches scheduled in Pindi and two matches in Lahore. This will be the first international series to be played under PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
