The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday unveiled former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the new head coach, and recalled retired Mohammed Amir and Imad Wasim for the five-match T20I series at home against New Zealand, starting April 18.

Both Amir and Wasim reversed their retirement decision to make themselves available for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June. The series also marks the return of Babar Azam as the white-ball skipper.

Haris Rauf, who was recently reinstated in Pakistan’s central contract list, failed to make the cut as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury that cut short his Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaign.

Speaking on the return of Amir and Imad, newly-appointed senior team manager Wahab Riaz said, “The decision to include Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir was a straightforward one, given their availability for selection and considering Haris Rauf’s injury and Mohammad Nawaz’s current form.”

“Both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities, and we trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team’s objectives.”

“As we prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, this series holds significant importance for Pakistan. Rather than solely focusing on the formidable New Zealand side, we aim to introspect and identify areas for improvement. I anticipate that players will seize the opportunities presented to strengthen their claims for the World Cup,” Riaz added.

Pakistan have also revamped their coaching staff for the upcoming series, with Mahmood appointed as the head coach, and he will be flanked by Mohammad Yousuf (batting coach) and Saeed Ajmal (spin-bowling coach) while Riaz, who was the chief selector, now assumes the role of team manager.

The Pakistan team has been preparing hard for the five-match rubber as well as the T20 World Cup with a 29-member fitness camp in Kakul, Abbottabad that started on March 26 and concluded on April 8.

Heading into the T20 World Cup, Babar’s men have a packed schedule, leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for the showpiece event in the US and the West Indies. After the New Zealand series, Pakistan will travel to Ireland for a three-match T20I series starting May 10 after which they will face off against defending champions England in four T20Is.