Left-arm fast-bowler Muhammad Amir has been included in the T20I and ODI team for the tour of New Zealand, which will start from January 15.
The 23-year old is included in the 16 member squad after his impressive performance in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
However, his inclusion is subject to the visa clearance from the New Zealand authorities.
Amir can offer a lot to Pakistan cricket, says Waqar
Another noticeable inclusion in the team was of 20-year old left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar, who has been included in the team after leg-spinner Yasir Shah tested positive in a random dope sampling test which was taken on November 13.
International Cricket Council (ICC) provisionally suspended the leg-spinner from taking part in any cricketing activities.
Chief selector Haroon Rashid said that Muhammad Amir earned his spot back in squad after showing impressive performances ever since his return to the competitive cricket.
Chief selector labels ‘extraordinary’ Amir better than the others
Earlier, Pakistan’s head coach Waqar Younis expressed excitement over the return of Mohammad Amir following a five-year ban for spot-fixing.
Waqar, himself a fast bowler, said Amir had plenty to offer.
“I am very excited over his comeback,” Waqar told AFP. “Amir is on the right path and has worked really hard in the fitness camp and I believe this kid has plenty to offer to Pakistan cricket,” he added.
Waqar said Amir needed support.
“It may take time for Amir to attain the same zip which he had in 2010, so we should not pressurise him and support him so that he can get back to his best.”
T20I team for the tour of New Zealand:
Shahid Afridi (captain), Shoaib Malik, Ahmad Shahzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Akmal, Iftikhar Ahmad, Imad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Amir Yamin, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Muhammd Rizwan, Saad Nasim, Muhammad Amir
ODI team for the tour of New Zealand:
Azhar Ali (captain), Ahmad Shahzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sohaib Maqsood, Zafar Gohar, Imad Wasim, Sarfarz Ahmad, Wahab Riaz, Muhammd Irfan, Anwar Ali, Rahat Ali, Muhammd Rizwan, Muhammad Amir
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