Pakistan have brought back pacer Hasan Ali into their 18-man squad for the seven T20Is scheduled during their tour of Ireland and England.
Additionally, Salman Ali Agha, the 30-year-old off spinning all-rounder yet to be capped in T20Is, has received a call-up.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that the World Cup squad will be chosen from these 18 players and disclosed following the first T20I against England on May 22.
The ICC’s deadline for the selection is May 24.
| Player Name |
|---|
| Babar Azam (Captain) |
| Abrar Ahmed |
| Azam Khan |
| Fakhar Zaman |
| Haris Rauf |
| Hasan Ali |
| Iftikhar Ahmed |
| Imad Wasim |
| Mohammad Abbas Afridi |
| Mohammad Amir |
| Mohammad Rizwan |
| Muhammad Irfan Khan |
| Naseem Shah |
| Saim Ayub |
| Salman Ali Agha |
| Shadab Khan |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Usman Khan |
The squad sees the return of fit-again Haris Rauf and Azam Khan, who missed the recent T20I series against New Zealand.
However, wrist spinner Usama Mir and pacer Zaman Khan didn’t find a place in the squad.
Hasan Ali, absent from Pakistan’s T20I lineup since September 2022, earned his spot back with impressive performances in the Pakistan Super League, where he claimed 14 wickets, equalling the tally of Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi in the season.
Agha Salman’s selection is based on his spin-bowling prowess, especially crucial on potentially slow Caribbean and USA pitches.
He joins spinners Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan in the squad.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir and Wasim, recalled for the recent home series against New Zealand, retained their positions and will aim to deliver standout performances in the four upcoming T20Is before the squad is trimmed down to 15 players.
“The process of crafting this squad was challenging given the abundance of talent.
After thorough deliberation and considering various cricketing factors, we’ve finalized these 18 players,” stated the Men’s National Selection Committee in a PCB release.
“The squad boasts a formidable top-order featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan; a reliable middle-order with Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Muhammad Irfan Khan; versatile all-rounders Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, and Salman Ali Agha; a pace battery led by Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Shah Afridi; and the spin expertise of Abrar Ahmed.
“We understand Usama and Zaman’s disappointment, and rightfully so, as they may have been eyeing the upcoming tours of Ireland and England.
They are talented players with promising careers ahead.
It’s crucial for them to remain focused on their cricket to be ready if needed.”
The team is scheduled to depart for Dublin on May 7 after a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4-6.
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