Pakistans national cricket team has announced its 18-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England. This squad is part of the final warm-ups for the T20 World Cup, scheduled for next month. The selection committee has made some notable changes, including the return of two key players: Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali.
Haris Rauf, who had been sidelined due to a shoulder injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), is now back in the fold. His inclusion in the squad signals his recovery and readiness for competitive cricket once again. Rauf, known for his pace and ability to swing the ball, will be a crucial player for Pakistan as they look to fine-tune their bowling attack ahead of the World Cup.
The other notable inclusion is that of Hasan Ali. The medium-pacer has not played a T20I for Pakistan since the Asia Cup in September 2022 but has shown strong form in domestic cricket, particularly in the PSL. His experience and recent performances have convinced the selectors to give him another chance to represent the national team.
The squad announcement also included the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who, along with several others, had missed the recent series against New Zealand due to injuries. This indicates a near-complete recovery for the team's key players as they gear up for the England and Ireland tour.
Usama Mir and Zaman Khan are the two players who have been left out from the squad that faced New Zealand. The selectors have opted for a combination that they believe best suits the team's needs in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan's tour of Ireland and England is set to begin on May 10, with the first T20I against Ireland. This will be followed by four matches against England, starting on May 22. The 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup will be announced after the first T20I against England.
The squad includes a blend of experienced players and young talent, with the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi leading the charge. The inclusion of Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali brings a mix of pace and experience to the bowling attack, which will be crucial in the fast-paced T20 format.
As the team embarks on this crucial tour, all eyes will be on their performances and the final selection of the World Cup squad. The England and Ireland series will not only serve as a testing ground for the players but also as a stage to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a spot in the World Cup squad.
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