Pakistan squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand was announced on Tuesday by the national selection committee in Lahore.
Pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who recently reversed their retirement, have made a comeback in the squad for the series, which begins on April 18.
Meanwhile, Irfan Khan and Usman Khan have got the nod of selectors after impressive performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.
On the other hand, wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan retained his position despite poor performances in the last away series in New Zealand.
Bilal Afzal, who is the new member of the selection committee, shed light on the selection of the 25-year-old.
"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.
Pakistan squad for New Zealand series
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 reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha
The two teams will play three T20Is at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on 18, 20 and 21 April. Following that, both sides will move to Lahore, where they will play the remaining two T20Is of the series on 25 and 27 April, respectively.
- Azam Khan