Following a disappointing group-stage exit from the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan is preparing for a limited-overs series against New Zealand, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs.
According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering resting several senior players for the New Zealand tour.
Big names like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah might be given a break, while uncertainty looms over Babar Azam’s spot in the T20 squad. In their place, the PCB is expected to include young and emerging players to assess their potential on the international stage.
Three young stars likely to make Pakistan's T20 squad including Zaman Khan, Yasir Khan and Muhammad Imran.
As the team prepares for the five-match T20I series, all eyes will be on how these young guns perform and whether they can cement their places in Pakistan’s long-term plans.
Zaman Khan
Zaman Khan has established himself as a reliable pacer in the shortest format. Having taken 129 wickets in 103 T20 matches at an average of 23.69 and a strike rate of 16.6, he has consistently delivered impactful performances.
His ability to swing the new ball and execute effective death-over variations makes him a valuable asset.
Given Pakistan’s focus on grooming young pacers, he stands a strong chance of making the squad for the New Zealand T20Is.
Yasir Khan
With injuries ruling out Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman and the PCB reportedly considering Babar Azam’s exclusion from the T20I squad, Pakistan is in dire need of fresh opening options. Yasir Khan, a dynamic right-handed batter, could be a surprise inclusion.
Yasir has been in top form in domestic T20 cricket, scoring 350 runs in the 2023-24 National T20 Cup at an average of 35 and a strike rate of 144.62.
Overall, in 35 innings, he has scored 915 runs at a strike rate of 138.21. His aggressive approach at the top of the order aligns with Pakistan’s need for power hitters, making him a strong candidate for the squad.
Mohammad Imran
Mohammad Imran has made a name for himself as a complete T20 bowler, excelling in all phases of the game.
With 73 wickets to his name at an average of 23.10 and a strike rate of 16.6, he has been a standout performer in domestic cricket.
In the 2023-24 National T20 Cup, Imran dominated with 20 wickets at a stunning average of 11 and a strike rate of 10.80, maintaining an economy rate of just 6.11.
His ability to swing the new ball and deceive batters with cutters and slower deliveries makes him a promising addition to Pakistan’s T20 bowling lineup.