Pakistan selectors why they chose Hasan Ali

2024.05.03

Hasan Ali, a fast bowler, was called back for the England and Ireland trip by the Pakistan selectors on Thursday, and they explained why.

During a press conference held here, the national selection committee members Abdul Razzaq, Bilal Afzal, Mohammad Yousuf, and Wahab Riaz revealed the 18-member Pakistan squad.

But Hasan Ali’s choice sparked speculation about his return and raised eyebrows.

Wahab Riaz explained in response to a query that Haris Rauf’s backup, the right-arm pacer, is chosen based on his background.

“We already had Hasan Ali in mind for the 2024 T20 World Cup. We have informed Hasan Ali that he is Haris Rauf’s backup,” Riaz said.

“Haris will be our first option if he recovers in time for the England series. Should we determine that Haris Rauf is unfit, Hasan Ali will take his position.

Notably, during the Asia Cup 2022, Hasan Ali faced Sri Lanka in the last match of his 50 T20I matches.

For the Karachi Kings in the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he recently took 14 wickets in 10 games.

Starting on May 10, the national squad will play a three-match Twenty20 International series against Ireland, and then a four-match series against England.

Following the first Twenty20 International match against England on May 22, Pakistan will reveal the team for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Pakistan Squad for Ireland & England Tour

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayyub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan

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