Whether Shadab Khan, the vice-captain, will be part of the Pakistan’s squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand will be known tomorrow when Wahab Riaz, the chief selector, announce the squad.

There has been speculation about the fitness of the all-rounder after he injured his ankle in the recent National T20.

This series will be Shaheen Afridi’s first assignment as Pakistan captain and will kick-start the team’s preparations for the all-important 20-over World Cup to be played coming summer in the West Indies and the United States of America.

Whether Pakistan will continue with the same combinations, especially the opening combination, is another point of contention with Saim Ayub expected to be part of the squad.

Pakistan are scheduled to host New Zealand for a five-match T20I series after the Pakistan Super League and make a stopover in the United Kingdom to play England and Ireland in the format before heading west for the World Cup.