PCB lists 18 players who will appear for fitness test ahead of ODI series in NZ

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released the names of 18 probables to attend the fitness test camp ahead of the team’s tour to New Zealand. The Men in Green have not played any competitive cricket at the highest level after winning the limited overs series against Sri Lanka at home. They are all set to tour to the nation of the Black caps next month for ODI and T20I series. However, the board has cleared that the squad will be announced once the results of the fitness tests are announced.

Alike India, even Pakistan has made it mandatory for the players to clear the fitness test before being available for any international series. The coach Mickey Arthur has strictly advised them to stay fit in order to make it to the national side. The year 2017 has been great for Pakistan as they triumphed in the ICC Champions Trophy in England much against the expectations of everyone. They would love to carry the same form in the next year and win more series overseas.

Who are the players?

PCB released a statement earlier on Thursday and informed that the players will undergo the fitness test on December 23 after which the squad for the tour will be declared. Sarfraz Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Amir Yamin, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees, Mohammad Amir, Umar Amin, Sohaib Maqsood, Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Nawaz are the players who will appear for the tests.

However, Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali have already gone through the fitness regime and will feature in the final of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy for their side in Karachi. Pakistan will compete against New Zealand in their own den for 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is starting from January 6 next year. They would be itching to get on the field after a decent break from cricket internationally.