Rauf and Rizwan are making their way back to the T20I squad as Pakistan gears up for a series against Ireland and England ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Men’s National Selection Committee unveiled the squad during a press briefing in Lahore for the upcoming tour, commencing with a three-match series against Ireland on 10th May.
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Haris Rauf is poised for a comeback following his absence in the New Zealand series due to a shoulder injury sustained during the PSL. Joining him is Hasan Ali, marking his return to the squad for the tour of Ireland and England.
Retaining much of the squad that faced New Zealand, Pakistan has made two adjustments with Usama Mir and Zaman Khan omitted, while Salman Ali Agha, previously in the reserves, secures a spot in the 18-member traveling group.
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Azam Khan sidelined in the New Zealand series due to right leg discomfort, and Mohammad Rizwan, who missed the last two matches due to a hamstring injury, are both back in action
Babar Azam will continue to lead the side, having been reinstated as the white-ball captain ahead of the recent series against New Zealand, which concluded in a 2-2 draw after the first game was washed out.
The selection committee emphasized the challenge of crafting the squad amidst the abundance of talent available.
The finalized squad comprises a formidable top-order including Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan. Additionally, there’s an effective middle-order featuring Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Muhammad Irfan Khan, versatile all-rounders in Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, and Salman Ali Agha, a potent pace attack led by Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, and spin prowess provided by Abrar Ahmed.
Expressing understanding for the disappointment of Usama and Zaman, the committee encouraged them to maintain their focus on cricket, recognizing their quality and assuring them of long careers ahead.
