Pakistan’s Men’s National Selection Committee has unveiled the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England. The squad, comprising 18 members, was revealed during a press conference held in Lahore. The team will embark on their tour, commencing with a three-match series against Ireland on May 10, followed by a four-match series against England.
Key Returns and Omissions:
- Haris Rauf: Making a significant return to the squad after missing the series against New Zealand due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
- Hasan Ali: Included in the squad for the series against Ireland and England.
- Usama Mir and Zaman Khan: Omitted from the squad.
- Salman Ali Agha: Included in the 18-member squad after being in the reserves during the recent home series.
Leadership and Squad Composition:
- Babar Azam will continue to lead the side, reinstated as the white-ball captain ahead of the series against New Zealand.
- The squad features a robust top-order comprising Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan.
- Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed strengthen the middle-order, supported by Muhammad Irfan Khan.
- Versatile all-rounders include Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.
- The pace attack will be led by Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
- Spin options are covered by Abrar Ahmed.
“The squad encompasses a robust top-order featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan; an effective middle-order with Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Muhammad Irfan Khan; versatile all-rounders in Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha; a pace battery led by Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi; and the spin prowess of Abrar Ahmed.
Committee’s Statement:
The selection committee acknowledged the challenging task of finalizing the squad given the exceptional talent pool available. They emphasized the need for Usama Mir and Zaman Khan to remain focused on their cricket, assuring them of their value and potential for future selections.
With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Pakistan’s squad is geared up to showcase their prowess in the T20 format against Ireland and England, setting the stage for an exciting series ahead.
