The minister was responding to a query about remarks of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja that if India does not come for Asia Cup, Pakistan won't go for 2023 World Cup to be hosted by India.
Shaheen will undergo rehabilitation and conditioning programme that has been designed to strengthen his knee at the National High-Performance Centre a few days after his return to Pakistan
The categories of eight players were upgraded following the local player category renewal process for the Pakistan Super League 2023 as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also opened the registration window for foreign players
The change was necessary as Usman Qadir is yet to recover from a hairline fracture on his right thumb that he suffered during the 25 September T20I against England in Karachi. The leg-spinner will not be available for selection before 22 October as stated by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
New Zealand will play two Tests as part of their ICC World Test Championship title defence and three ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures from December 27 to January 15.
The squad also features opening batter Sidra Amin and wicket-keeper Sidra Nawaz, who return to Pakistan's T20I mix having last represented the side in October 2019 and July 2021 respectively.