KARACHI: Haris Sohail returned to the national One-Day side as Pakistan announced the squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.

Pakistan men’s interim selection committee on Thursday named a 16-player squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches against New Zealand, which will be played here at the National Bank Cricket Arena on 9, 11 and 13 January.

Left-handed batter Haris, who last played represented Pakistan in 2020 in a home ODI series against Zimbabwe, has been recalled to the ODI side along with Shan Masood, who has been missing out on ODI cricket since 2019.

“We have decided to recall experienced Haris Sohail and Shan Masood as we believe the two lads still have plenty to offer to Pakistan cricket,” said Interim Chief Selector Shahid Afridi while announcing the squad.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan was rested for the upcoming task after a finger injury, while uncapped spinner Usama Mir and batter Tayyab Tahir received their maiden call-up to the national ODI side.

“We have not only rewarded Tayyab Tahir and Usama Mir for their outstanding performances in our domestic events, they have also been identified as future prospects,” said Afridi.

Kamran Ghulam, who is currently part of Pakistan’s Test squad in the ongoing Test series against the Blackcaps, has also been included in the limited-over squad for the first time.

“Haris Rauf, who was injured during the first Test against England in Rawalpindi, has regained complete fitness and has been named in the line-up.” said PCB in a media release.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi, despite making good progress, has not been included as the selectors, in consultation with the medical panel, have decided to give him more time to reclaim complete fitness. He is expected to return to competitive cricket next month in the HBL Pakistan Super League 8,” it added.

Pakistan Squad: 

Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir and Usama Mir