Nawaz Expresses Gratitude for T20I Recall Against Bangladesh

KARACHI: All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has conveyed his appreciation for being selected in Pakistan’s T20I team for the forthcoming three-match series against Bangladesh.

The squad, comprising 15 members, was revealed earlier today by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). It will be led by Salman Ali Agha, with Shadab Khan, the vice-captain, and Haris Rauf absent due to their respective injuries.

Shadab recently had a shoulder surgery performed in the UK, while Rauf is recovering from a Grade 1 hamstring injury sustained during the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC).

Their unavailability allowed Nawaz to rejoin the national team, while Salman Mirza, a left-arm pacer, received his first invitation following strong performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Upon learning of his comeback, Nawaz shared his joy via an Instagram story.

“Great to be back with the national team, Alhamdulillah,” Nawaz stated in the story.

Background on Nawaz’s Recent Performances

Nawaz last represented Pakistan in a T20I in January 2024 against New Zealand. Since then, he has been absent from the national side.

Following his exclusion, the 31-year-old participated in the ninth edition of the PSL, where he managed to score 88 runs in eight matches and secure two wickets. He also played for Rawalpindi in the National T20 Cup in March, scoring 89 runs in three innings and taking two wickets.

His struggles persisted in the recent PSL 10, where he scored 88 runs in four matches for Islamabad United and claimed two wickets.

His selection for the Bangladesh T20Is has faced scrutiny, with cricket enthusiasts expressing their dissatisfaction on social media.

“Pakistan going back to Mohammad Nawaz in T20Is as a left-arm spin option in the middle. Does this mean we have given up on preparing or developing youngsters like Arafat?” a user named Muhammad Aizaz commented on X.

“Mohammad Nawaz on what basis. Lols?” another user, named Ahmad Hussain, questioned.