The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced an 18-member Pakistan squad for Ireland and England T20I series. Zaman Khan and Usama Mir have been omitted from the team, while Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Salman Ali Agha have been recalled to the squad.
Outgoings: Both Usama Mir and Zaman Khan have found themselves unlucky this time around. Zaman Khan has not been in his best form recently, which is likely the reason for his exclusion from the team. Similarly, Usama Mir has received numerous opportunities but has failed to capitalize on them effectively. Another factor leading to his exclusion is the presence of Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmad in the team; having Usama as a third wrist spinner was virtually impossible. There was essentially a tie between Usama and Abrar for a spot, and the selectors decided to place their trust in Abrar Ahmad.
Incomings: Regarding the newcomers, Haris Rauf’s selection was expected as he has recovered from an injury, and the selectors have previously affirmed that he remains a key fast bowler for Pakistan. Hasan Ali has dramatically re-entered the team from seemingly nowhere; he has been engaged in playing county cricket in England. His last appearance in a T20 International match was in September 2022. Concerning Salman Ali Agha, he has also demonstrated potential during the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Now, let’s examine the complete lineup of the squad.
Pakistan squad for Ireland and England T20 Series:
Babar Azam (captain)
Abrar Ahmed
Azam Khan
Fakhar Zaman
Haris Rauf
Hasan Ali
Iftikhar Ahmed
Imad Wasim
Mohammad Abbas Afridi
Mohammad Rizwan
Mohmmad Amir
Muhammad Irfan Khan
Naseem Shah
Saim Ayub
Shadab Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Salman Ali Agha
Usman Khan
Now let’s dissect this Pakistan squad for Ireland and England as follows:
Batters (5): Babar Azam (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, and Irfan Khan Niazi.
WK/Batters (2): Mohammad Rizwan and Azam Khan
All-rounders (4): Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Iftikhar Ahmad.
Pace Attack (6): Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Abbas Afridi.
Spinners (1): Abrar Ahmad
Out of these 18 players in the squad, 15 members will be selected specifically as Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup as well. The remaining three players will travel with the team as traveling reserves.
Here is Pakistan’s schedule for the upcoming matches before the 2024 T20 World Cup:
Pakistan vs Ireland T20 Series
- May 10: First T20I at Dublin (7:00 PM)
- May 12: Second T20I at Dublin (7:00 PM)
- May 14: Third T20I at Dublin (7:00 PM)
Pakistan vs England T20 Series
- May 22: First T20I at Leeds
- May 25: Second T20I at Birmingham
- May 28: Third T20I at Cardiff
- May 30: Fourth T20I at The Oval
