LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the national team’s 18-member squad for the upcoming crucial tours of England and Ireland ahead of the T20I World Cup 2024.
Under the leadership of Babar Azam, the squad includes Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and others.
The announcement coincides with the team’s imminent matches against Ireland in a three-match T20I series from May 10 to May 14, followed by a four-match T20I series against England starting from May 22.
These tours are pivotal for the team’s preparation for the T20I World Cup 2024, slated to commence in June in the United States and West Indies.
According to the PCB, the squad will be trimmed to 15 players for the mega-event after the first T20I against England on May 22, adhering to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) May 24 team announcement deadline.
Regarding the squad composition, the PCB highlighted the return of pacer Rauf and Azam to the national side after their absence in the recent New Zealand series due to injuries.
Additionally, Mohammad Rizwan and Muhammad Irfan have been included after being rested in two matches during the series against New Zealand.
Commenting on Hasan Ali’s selection, the PCB cited his extensive experience in 50 T20Is and his performance in bilateral series and ICC events as the rationale behind his inclusion.
However, fast bowler Zaman Khan and spinner Usama Mir, who were part of the series against New Zealand, were not selected.
“We understand Usama and Zaman will be disappointed […] 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,” stated the PCB’s press release quoting the selection committee.
The national team will undergo a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4 to 6 before departing for Dublin, Ireland, on May 7.
Pakistan’s squad: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usman Khan.
Schedule of matches:
Ireland series:
May 10 – v Ireland, 1st T20I, Dublin
May 12 – v Ireland, 2nd T20, Dublin
May 14 – v Ireland, 3rd T20I, Dublin
England series:
May 22 – v England, 1st T20I, Leeds
May 25 – v England, 2nd T20I, Birmingham
May 28 – v England 3rd T20I, Cardiff
May 30 – v England, 4th T20I, The Oval
