The first match of the Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series is just hours away, but a key player’s participation is now uncertain. Wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan suffered discomfort in his right knee and pain in his right calf muscle during a training session on Thursday.
The young talent received immediate medical attention and remains under observation. While not officially ruled out of the series starting April 18th, a final decision hinges on the results of upcoming radiology reports, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a recent update.
Azam was part of the rigorous Kakul Camp, training under the supervision of the Pakistan Army to prepare for the series. His absence would be a significant blow, especially with the first three T20Is scheduled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The series then moves to Lahore’s Gadaffi Stadium for the final two matches, played across five days – April 18th, 20th, 21st, 25th, and 27th.
If Azam is unable to compete, the wicketkeeping duties would likely fall to either Mohammad Rizwan or Haseebullah Khan. Fans and experts alike anxiously await the PCB’s official verdict on Azam’s status.
For your reference, the full squads for the Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series are:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (not playing in T20Is), Usama Mir, Usman Khan, and Zaman Khan.
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (captain), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, and Zak Foulkes.
Also, see:
Your Guide to Watching the Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I Series
