In a strategic move ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan’s team management has opted to release right-arm fast bowler Hasan Ali from the squad. This decision comes following the full recovery of Haris Rauf, who is now ready to rejoin the team for the upcoming four-match T20I series against England.
Sources close to the team revealed to Geo News that Pakistan’s management has granted Hasan Ali permission to fulfill his commitments in county cricket, where he will represent Warwickshire.
Initially included in the squad as a backup for the injured Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali’s recent performance in T20Is saw him register figures of 0/42 against Ireland on May 14. With 60 wickets in 50 T20 innings for Pakistan at an economy rate of 8.45, Hasan’s exclusion marks a strategic shift in Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
The reduction of the squad to 17 members confirms Pakistan’s preparations for the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, commencing on June 1. The squad, initially comprising 18 members for the T20I series against Ireland and England, will further be trimmed to 15 for the World Cup, with two additional travelling reserves.
Pakistan is expected to finalize their squad for the World Cup in the coming days, with the deadline for squad announcement set for May 24. Any subsequent changes will necessitate approval from the International Cricket Council’s Event Technical Committee.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 journey kicks off with a match against USA on June 6 in Dallas, followed by encounters against arch-rivals India, Canada, and Ireland on June 9, 11, and 16 respectively, with matches scheduled in New York and Lauderhill.
