Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s head coach for the upcoming five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand, is scheduled to join the team’s camp on Monday.
Azhar, a former Pakistan all-rounder based in London, will arrive in Rawalpindi just ahead of the team’s first practice session, three days before the series opener at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, according to an official of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) speaking to Dawn.
Azhar was appointed solely for this series as the PCB continues its search for foreign coaches to serve in separate red-ball and white-ball roles in the long term.
Pakistan’s squad has been bolstered by the return of veteran pacer Mohammad Amir and seasoned all-rounder Imad Wasim, both of whom reversed their retirements ahead of the series following discussions with the PCB.
Additionally, Pakistan-born United Arab Emirates batter Usman Khan has opted to play for Pakistan after impressing in the Pakistan Super League last month.
He has been included in the squad after the PCB successfully convinced him to forego the opportunity to represent the UAE.
Babar Azam will resume his role as Pakistan captain, having been reappointed at the expense of pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was removed from the position after leading the team in just five matches, including a 4-1 defeat against New Zealand.
While Pakistan enters the series with a full-strength squad, New Zealand, who arrived late on Saturday night, are missing as many as 10 first-choice players due to their participation in the Indian Premier League.
The Kiwis, led by all-rounder Michael Bracewell, will hold their first practice session on Tuesday after a day’s rest.
Due to injuries to Finn Allen and senior pacer Adam Milne, Tom Blundell and uncapped all-rounder Zak Foulkes have been added to the New Zealand squad as late replacements.
The series, which begins with matches in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore, serves as Pakistan’s preparation for the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in the United States and the West Indies in June.
This series marks New Zealand’s third visit to Pakistan in the last 17 months.
