Hasan Ali, Salman Ali Agha in the mix for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad

In an interesting development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an 18-member squad for their two upcoming series against Ireland and England. 

While the three T20I series against the Irish will begin on May 10 in Dublin and will go till May 14, the series against England starts May 22 at Leeds, after which Pakistan’s final 15 will be short-listed from the 18-member squad. 

The two biggest surprises in the squad are Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha. 

While Hasan Ali last played a T20I for Pakistan in September 2022, Salman Ali Agha has not played any T20I for Pakistan. 

“Salman Ali Agha has established himself as a versatile cricketer, proficient in aggressive middle-order batting and off-spin bowling. His inclusion bolsters Pakistan's spin department alongside Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan,” PCB's press release said on Agha’s selection. 

“Hasan Ali's selection is attributed to his extensive experience, having featured in 50 T20Is and excelling in bilateral series and ICC Events. His impressive performance in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2024, where he claimed 14 wickets, further underlined his credentials. Currently representing Warwickshire in the English County Championship, Hasan adds depth to Pakistan’s bowling arsenal,” the statement mentioned. 

Haris Rauf, keeper batter Azam Khan, middle order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Mohammad Rizwan were injured during the New Zealand series, but now, they have passed their fitness tests, and their “progress has provided confidence and encouragement to the PCB Medical Panel and the team management regarding their potential availability during the seven T20Is.”

The two notable omissions from this squad of 18 are wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan. 

“We understand Usama and Zaman will be disappointed, and they should be as they must be looking ahead to the tours of Ireland and England. They are quality cricketers and have long careers ahead of them. They need to continue to focus on their cricket so that they are available if required,” the Men’s Selection Committee was quoted saying in the press release. 

The team will have a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4-6 and depart for Dublin on May 7.