Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the 18-man squad for the upcoming T20 internationals against Ireland and England, marking their final preparatory matches before the T20 World Cup. The squad sees the return of fast bowler Haris Rauf and medium-pacer Hasan Ali, alongside the inclusion of several key players recovering from injuries sustained during the recent series against New Zealand.
🚨 Pakistan's 1️⃣8️⃣-member squad announced for the T20I series against Ireland and England 🚨
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 2, 2024
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/QSn58qT7ZJ#IREvPAK | #ENGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/cTQkgveWlt
The appointment of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for the men’s national team for white and red-ball cricket, respectively, has set the stage for Pakistan’s preparations. Additionally, Azhar Mahmood has been named the assistant coach across all formats, signaling a renewed focus on coaching expertise.
Among the notable inclusions are Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, and Muhammad Irfan Khan, all of whom suffered injuries in the series against New Zealand but have been deemed fit for the upcoming matches. However, wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan, who played in the recent T20I series, have been left out of the squad.
Selector Wahab Riaz highlighted the importance of fitness concerns, stating that the England tour would provide an opportunity to finalize the World Cup squad. With the deadline for submitting final squads approaching, teams have until May 25 to make changes to their preliminary squads.
The selection committee, comprising Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafique, and Abdul Razzaq, emphasized the challenge of selecting the squad given the abundance of talent available. They expressed confidence in the finalized 18 players, who represent a balanced mix of experience and youth.
Pakistan men's national selection committee announces squad for Ireland & England T20Is#IREvPAK | #ENGvPAK https://t.co/hTQBfRkqfd
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 2, 2024
The squad boasts a formidable top-order led by Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan, supported by a pace-bowling attack featuring the likes of Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The spin department is bolstered by the inclusion of Salman Ali Agha, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan.
Hasan Ali’s selection is attributed to his extensive experience and recent performances in domestic and international cricket, including his stint with Warwickshire in the English County Championship. Similarly, Haris Rauf’s return is seen as a boost to Pakistan’s pace-bowling resources.
The squad is set to depart for Dublin on May 7, following a training camp in Lahore. Matches against Ireland are scheduled for May 10, 12, and 14, followed by four fixtures against England from May 22 to May 30 at various venues across the UK.
As Pakistan gears up for these crucial encounters, all eyes will be on the selected players to deliver strong performances and solidify their spots in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the US.