The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled its 18-player squad on Thursday for the upcoming tours to Ireland and England, featuring two distinct Twenty20 International (T20I) series, according to an official statement.
The PCB men’s selection committee opted to recall fast bowler Haris Rauf, along with all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha for the squad set to compete in three matches against Ireland and four against England.
Conversely, wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan, who were part of the team in the recent home series against New Zealand, were omitted from the lineup.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan, batsman Muhammad Irfan Khan, and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who had been grappling with fitness concerns, secured spots in the squad.
The PCB highlighted Salman Ali Agha’s prowess as a versatile cricketer, excelling in aggressive middle-order batting and off-spin bowling, while Hasan Ali’s selection was attributed to his extensive experience, boasting 50 T20I appearances and notable performances in bilateral series and ICC Events.
“The formation of this squad presented a significant challenge due to the wealth of talent available. After extensive deliberation and consideration of various cricketing aspects, we have finalized these 18 players,” stated the selection committee.
Ahead of their departure for Ireland, the national team is slated to undergo a three-day training camp in Lahore starting May 4.
Furthermore, the PCB announced plans to unveil the 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 following the first match against England on May 22.
Pakistan squad for Ireland and England is:
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:
10 May – v Ireland, 1st T20I, Dublin
12 May – v Ireland, 2nd T20, Dublin
14 May – v Ireland, 3rd T20I, Dublin
22 May – v England, 1st T20I, Leeds
25 May – v England, 2nd T20I, Birmingham
28 May – v England 3rd T20I, Cardiff
30 May – v England, 4th T20I, The Oval
 unveiled its 18-player squad on Thursday for the upcoming tours to Ireland and England, featuring two distinct Twenty20 International (T20I) series, according to an official statement.){kind=link}