Mohammad Yousuf Rejoins Pakistan Squad for New Zealand Tour
Former Pakistan batting great Mohammad Yousuf will travel with the national team for their white-ball tour of New Zealand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday. Yousuf, who serves as the team’s batting consultant, had initially withdrawn from the tour due to his daughter’s illness but later reversed his decision after receiving positive updates on her health.
“Doctors told me that my daughter’s health is better now, so I’m going with the team. Going with the team is a national duty that I have decided to fulfil.” – Mohammad Yousuf
Pakistan’s squad will depart for New Zealand on Wednesday ahead of their five-match T20I series and three-match ODI series, scheduled from March 16 to April 5.
The last T20I series between the two sides, played in April 2024, ended in a 2-2 draw after the first match was washed out in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan Squad for the New Zealand Tour
ODI Squad
- Mohammad Rizwan (captain)
- Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Akif Javed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Naseem Shah
- Sufyan Moqim
- Tayyab Tahir
T20I Squad
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Shadab Khan (vice-captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Nawaz
- Jahandad Khan
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Haris
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Omair Bin Yousaf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufyan Moqim
- Usman Khan
Pakistan’s Tour of New Zealand Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | March 16 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| 2nd T20I | March 18 | University Oval, Dunedin |
| 3rd T20I | March 21 | Eden Park, Auckland |
| 4th T20I | March 23 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
| 5th T20I | March 26 | Sky Stadium, Wellington |
| 1st ODI | March 29 | McLean Park, Napier |
| 2nd ODI | April 2 | Seddon Park, Hamilton |
| 3rd ODI | April 5 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
With Mohammad Yousuf rejoining the squad, Pakistan’s batting lineup will benefit from his guidance as they prepare for a crucial away series. The tour will also serve as vital preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and other international assignments.
