LAHORE: Bilal Afzal, a member of Pakistan men’s selection committee, explained wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan’s inclusion in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand.

Afzal, who also served as provincial minister under Mohsin Naqvi-led caretaker Punjab setup, revealed that Azam’s selection was a unanimous decision, considering his standout performances in the Caribbean.

“Selecting Azam Khan was a unanimous decision by the selectors. His performances (stats) on the pitches of the Caribbean have been a standout.

“We thought to give him a proper chance so he could prepare himself for the upcoming World Cup. It will build his confidence and we want him to win this World Cup for us,” he added.

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Despite boasting an exceptional record in franchise cricket, Azam Khan had a forgetful start to his international career, managing only 29 runs in eight matches with the highest score of 10.

Pakistan squad for T20I series against New Zealand

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir

Non-travelling reserve: Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha.

New Zealand are slated to reach Pakistan on April 14, two days after Pakistan’s squad announcement, for the crucial series, leading to the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the first three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April.

The two sides will then travel to Lahore to lock horns in the remaining two T20Is on 25 and 27 April, respectively.

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