T20I regulars like the captain Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell and Lockie Ferguson were not picked because they have been given clearance to play the IPL starting March 31.

"We saw against India earlier this season the power and range of shots that Tom possesses," New Zealand coach Gary Stead said about Latham's return to the format. "His adaptability also means he can feature in a range of batting positions. He led an inexperienced T20 squad to Bangladesh in 2021 and we were really impressed with his leadership of that group during a COVID bubble tour."

"We've got players returning and guys potentially making their debuts, that's a really exciting mix to have in the group for these matches. Players like Tim and Cole haven't been around the squad for little while and I am sure they will bring good energy when they are involved. They have both earned their selection with strong domestic form this season."

After the home T20Is against Sri Lanka, coach Stead will take a break during the T20Is in Pakistan and rejoin the squad for the five-ODI series that begins in Rawalpindi on April 26. Shane Jurgensen will lead the coaching staff for the three T20Is in Pakistan.

New Zealand squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Tom Latham (capt & wk), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Will Young

New Zealand squad for T20Is in Pakistan: Tom Latham (capt & wk), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Dane Cleaver, Cole McConchie, Blair Tickner