Lahore, May 2, 2024: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today unveiled its 18-player squad for the forthcoming T20 International series against Ireland and England. This squad will be trimmed to 15 members post the first T20I in Leeds on May 22, adhering to the ICC’s deadline of May 24 for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad submissions.
The selection panel has reinstated fast bowler Haris Rauf and all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha into the 18-player lineup. Wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan were the two players not retained from the 17-member squad that recently competed against New Zealand.
The Pakistan squad for the tours includes:
- 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
After missing the New Zealand T20Is due to injuries, Haris Rauf and Azam Khan have been recalled. Middle-order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan were given rest during the Lahore T20Is because of minor injuries but have shown significant improvement after fitness assessments at the National Cricket Academy, reinforcing the medical panel and management’s confidence in their availability for the upcoming matches.
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Salman Ali Agha’s return strengthens the spin department, complementing the skills of Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan, while Hasan Ali’s experience from 50 T20Is and his recent 14-wicket haul in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2024 have earned him a spot. Currently playing for Warwickshire in the English County Championship, Hasan is poised to enhance Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The selection committee stated, “Selecting this squad was a rigorous process, reflecting the depth of talent at our disposal. This group combines a solid top-order, a powerful middle-order, dynamic all-rounders, a potent pace attack, and skilled spinners.”
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Despite the cut, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan are encouraged to maintain their focus and readiness for potential future call-ups.
The team is set to leave for Dublin on May 7, following a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4 to May 6.
Match Schedule:
- May 10: 1st T20I against Ireland in Dublin
- May 12: 2nd T20I against Ireland in Dublin
- May 14: 3rd T20I against Ireland in Dublin
- May 22: 1st T20I against England in Leeds
- May 25: 2nd T20I against England in Birmingham
- May 28: 3rd T20I against England in Cardiff
- May 30: 4th T20I against England at The Oval
