LAHORE: Hasan Ali’s chances of securing a spot in Pakistan’s ICC T20I World Cup squad have ended following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to release him from the squad for their four-match series against England, starting later today.
Initially selected as injury cover for Haris Rauf, Hasan’s release comes as Rauf has regained full fitness. The PCB, in a press release on Wednesday, announced their decision to allow Hasan to honor his commitments with Warwickshire in English county cricket.
With Haris Rauf’s recovery, Hasan has been granted permission to fulfill his county cricket obligations. Initially drafted into the 18-member squad for the Ireland tour and subsequent England series, Hasan’s role was to cover for Haris, who has been recuperating from a groin injury sustained in February.
Hasan’s performance in one of the T20 Internationals in Ireland left much to be desired, prompting the decision for his release.
As the players currently in England prepare to move on to the USA and West Indies for the T20 World Cup, Pakistan remains the only team yet to finalize its 15-member squad for the tournament. It is anticipated that batters Agha Ali Salman and Irfan Niazi, also present in England, will be named as traveling reserves for the mega event.
The Pakistan-England series marks the final T20 commitment for both teams before the World Cup. England players, who participated in the IPL, have all returned from India for the four-match series.
