As preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Pakistan has called up two pacers, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, for the series against Ireland and England.
For the Ireland-England series, a squad of 18 players has been announced, excluding injured pacers Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, and Mohammad Irfan Khan, who got injured during the series against New Zealand at home.
However, Pakistan’s selectors have not yet announced the final 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.
At a press conference in Lahore, selector Wahab Riaz said, ‘We have some fitness issues with some players. Hopefully, we’ll be able to announce the final squad for the England tour.’
According to ICC regulations, the initial squad of 15 members for the World Cup must be announced by the first week of May from which the 20 teams participating in the World Cup will be selected. However, ICC has also allowed changes to be made in the initial squad until May 25.
Rauf has not played any T20 matches for Pakistan since suffering a shoulder injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February.
Riaz said, ‘Rauf has started bowling. He will be fit to play matches before the England series.’
Hasan has not played any T20 matches for Pakistan since September 2022 due to injuries.
Regarding Hasan, Riaz said, ‘As a backup, we have included Hasan in the squad.’
Like the first time, spinner Agha Salman has been given an opportunity in the T20 squad. Salman has experience playing Test and One-Day matches for Pakistan.
Pakistan will play three matches in the series against Ireland in Dublin on May 10, 12, and 14.
Starting from May 22, Pakistan will play four T20 matches against England in Leeds. The next three matches will be on May 25, 28, and 30.
Pakistan T20 squad for the Ireland-England series:
Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan, Nasim Shah, Saime Ayub, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.
