Lahore: In the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering giving domestic players a chance to participate in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, Geo News reported, citing sources.
According to the sources, domestic players have been invited to Lahore for a selection process ahead of the five-match T20I series, which begins on March 16. Additionally, a meeting will be held between the young cricketers and PCB officials.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year in India and Sri Lanka, the decision to send domestic players to New Zealand could be part of the PCB’s long-term strategy for the prestigious event.
In light of these developments, former wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has suggested a list of young players for the upcoming series. Among his recommendations were Hassan Nawaz, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, and Muhammad Nafay.
Latif also named other potential candidates for the 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.
In addition, some reports have indicated that Pakistan’s players are contemplating opting out of the white-ball tour of New Zealand. There is speculation that they may take a “break” from the tour, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs.
The recent changes within Pakistan’s camp come in the aftermath of their poor showing at the Champions Trophy. As the global cricket event returned to Pakistan after nearly three decades, New Zealand spoiled the occasion by delivering a crushing 60-run defeat to Pakistan, powered by their success in the ODI tri-nation series.
With Pakistan’s campaign on the line and their hopes pinned on the must-win encounter against India, their subpar efforts in Dubai led to an early exit. Despite needing a favor from Bangladesh to advance, the Kiwis crushed Bangladesh’s hopes with a five-wicket victory, effectively ending both teams’ journeys. The final match between Pakistan and Bangladesh was abandoned due to persistent rain.
