The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the 18-member squad set to represent the nation in the forthcoming pivotal tours of England and Ireland ahead of the T20I World Cup 2024. Led by Babar Azam, the team features notable names including Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi among others.
The announcement follows the anticipation building around Pakistan’s confrontations with Ireland in a three-match T20I series scheduled from May 10 to May 14, followed by a four-match T20I series against England commencing on May 22.
These tours bear immense significance as they are crucial in shaping the team’s preparations for the T20I World Cup 2024, set to kick off in June in the United States and the West Indies.
According to PCB’s plan, the squad will be trimmed down to 15 players for the mega-event post the first T20I against England on May 22, adhering to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) team announcement deadline of May 24.
Pakistan name 18-player squad for Ireland and England
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/fMu5LtNG1B#IREvPAK | #ENGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) May 2, 2024
Rauf and Azam mark their return to the national side after being sidelined due to injuries in the recent New Zealand series, as highlighted by PCB. Furthermore, Mohammad Rizwan and Muhammad Irfan have been reinstated in the squad after being rested in two matches during the series against the Black Caps.
Pakistan men’s national selection committee announces squad for Ireland & England T20Is#IREvPAK | #ENGvPAK https://t.co/hTQBfRkqfd
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 2, 2024
PCB’s press release stated, “Hasan Ali’s inclusion is attributed to his extensive experience, having featured in 50 T20Is and excelling in bilateral series and ICC events.”
However, the omission of Zaman Khan and Usama Mir from the squad has raised eyebrows. PCB conveyed, “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.”
Prior to departing for Dublin, Ireland, on May 7, the national side will undergo a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4 to 6.
Pakistan’s Squad for the Tours:
– 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
– Usman Khan
Schedule of Matches:
Ireland Series:
– May 10 – vs. Ireland, 1st T20I, Dublin
– May 12 – vs. Ireland, 2nd T20I, Dublin
– May 14 – vs. Ireland, 3rd T20I, Dublin
England Series:
– May 22 – vs. England, 1st T20I, Leeds
– May 25 – vs. England, 2nd T20I, Birmingham
– May 28 – vs. England, 3rd T20I, Cardiff
– May 30 – vs. England, 4th T20I, The Oval
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