Uncapped Tayyab Tahir and Usama Mir get their maiden call for one-day internationals as Pakistan named their 16-member squad against New Zealand.

The announcement was made in front of a packed media house at the National Stadium Cricket Arena by interim chief selector Shahid Afridi, who was flanked by Haroon Rashid ­– the committee’s convener.

The men’s team will play three ODIs in Karachi from January 09.

Tayyab Tahir – an inform batter – and wrist-spinner Usama Mir were rewarded for their stellar performances in the Pakistan Cup as Afridi termed them the future prospects.

“These players, along with Kamran Ghulam, have good knowledge of our conditions and have the talent and potential to excel at the highest level,” said Afridi, who is holding the post for the first time in his illustrious career.

Tayyab Tahir was the Player of the final in the Pakistan Cup for his match-winning 71. He also won the best batter of the tournament award after scoring 573 runs.

Likewise, Usama Mir was named the best bowler of the Pakistan Cup after picking up 28 wickets, following his 10 wickets in four matches in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Meanwhile, Haris Sohail and Shan Masood were named for the first time in the squad since 2019 and 2020, respectively. Afridi believes that the duo have plenty left to offer to Pakistan cricket in the limited overs.

“In this background, we have decided to recall experienced Haris Sohail and Shan Masood as we believe the two lads still have plenty to offer to Pakistan cricket.”

Pacer Haris Rauf, who was injured during the first Test against England in Rawalpindi, returned to the side after regaining his fitness.

Moreover, Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan was not considered for selection after he suffered a fracture on his right index finger in Australia last week.

“I am pleased Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf have regained complete fitness and though we will miss Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi in this series, their absence will provide Mohammad Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usama Mir to step up and demonstrate what they are actually capable of,” said Afridi.

Afridi also asked players, who failed to make it to the final 16, to keep performing as the selection committee have their eyes on them.

Pakistan’s ODI squad:

Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir and Usama Mir