Fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali have made their way back into the Pakistan squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England.
Haris Rauf, who sustained an injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, is set to return to competition after missing out on the recent series against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Hasan Ali, who last played a T20I match against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2022, was called back owing to his extensive experience, having featured in 50 T20Is and excelling in bilateral series and ICC Events.
The national selection committee members Abdul Razzaq, Bilal Afzal, Mohammad Yousuf and Wahab Riaz announced the 18-member Pakistan squad during a press conference in Lahore.
The squad also marked the return of Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, and Irfan Khan, who were sidelined with injuries during the New Zealand series.
However, selector Wahab Riaz emphasized that their fitness is still under assessment, with cautious optimism surrounding their participation in the upcoming series against Ireland.
“Rizwan, Haris, Irfan, and Azam are undergoing assessment,” Riaz stated. “There has been significant improvement in their fitness, and they are part of the squad with the hope that they will be fit for the Ireland series.”
Despite speculation regarding the return of Aamir Jamal, the all-rounder failed to secure a spot in the squad, while hard-hitting batter Mohammad Haris continues to be overlooked for selection.
Meanwhile, Agha Salman’s call-up is a result of his stellar showing in PSL 9, where he amassed 310 runs for Islamabad United at a striking rate of 140.27.
Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20Is against Ireland, commencing on May 10, followed by four matches against England.
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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