Shahnawaz Dahani. (Photo Source: Twitter)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) left out young fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani from the 29-player training camp ahead of the five-match home T20I series against New Zealand. Dahani expressed his disappointment and took a dig at PCB after the announcement.
The governing body named the 29 probables who will prepare from March 25 to April 8 at the Kakul military camp ahead of the five-match New Zealand series, starting April 18 in Rawalpindi. The list features Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and others.
Also Read: PCB names 29 players for training camp ahead of New Zealand T20Is
Shahnawaz Dahani takes a dig at PCB’s decision
Taking to his official Twitter account to express his disappointment over the decision he tweeted, “No regrets for me, as I will still be the fittest bowler even after this camp🤙.”
No regrets for me, as I will still be the fittest bowler even after this camp🤙. https://t.co/hJwX1OtsEi
— Shahnawaz Dahani (@ShahnawazDahani) March 25, 2024
The fiery right-arm pacer made his T20I debut in November 2021 against Bangladesh. In 11 T20I appearances, he has claimed eight wickets at an economy rate of 9.05 with best figures of 2/37. In the recently concluded Pakistan Super League, the 25-year-old, who represents Multan Sultans, could only manage to pick one wicket in four games.
Pakistan have recently had poor performances across formats after a poor World Cup 2023 campaign. Babar stepped down as captain, with Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi taking over the Test/ODI and T20I reins, respectively. Coach Grant Bradburn also departed after the New Zealand tour losses.
With the home T20I series coming as a fresh start for Pakistan ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, many felt the training camp would give players a chance to stake their claim. The PCB is expected to name the final New Zealand series squad from the 29 probables soon.
Also Read: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi signals change in Pakistan’s T20I captaincy
Players selected for the training camp
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah, Saud Shakeel, Usman Khan, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan Niazi, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mehran Mumtaz, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Ali, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Amir.