As fans react to Hasan Ali's inclusion in Pakistan T20 squad forthe upcoming limited overs series against Ireland and England, thePakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opened up on the pacer's comeback to the national side.
"Hasan was already in our plans for T20I World Cup 2024. He was playing county cricket as he was under contract,"PCB selector Wahab Riaz said, addressing a press conference in Lahore on Thursday.
Riaz further revealed thatthe 29-year-old will be Haris Rauf's backup in the upcoming fixtures.
His remarks came as the board, earlier today, announced the national side's 18-member squad for the upcoming all-important tours ahead of the T20I World Cup 2024.
The Men in Green are set to face Ireland in a three-match T20I series from May 10 to May 14 after which the national side will travel to England for a four-match T20I series commencing on May 22.
The captain Babar Azam-led side, after undergoing a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4 to 6, will depart for Dublin, Ireland on May 7.
Continuing on the pacer's future, Riaz said: "If [Haris] Rauf gets fit before the England series then he will be our first choice. If we feel Rauf is not fit for the match, then Hasan will replace him.
As per the data available on ESPNCricinfo, Hasan last featured for the national side in T20Is in September 2022 against Sri Lanka where he conceded 25 runs in three overs without taking any wickets.
Meanwhile, the last one-day internationals (ODIs) the pacer played for Green Shirts was in November 2023 against New Zealand.
This fast bowler has only featured in Test format for the national side this year which was during the Australia series in January.
Pakistan's squad: 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 and Usman Khan.
Ireland series:
May 10 – v Ireland, 1st T20I, Dublin
May 12 – v Ireland, 2nd T20I, Dublin
May 14 – v Ireland, 3rd T20I, Dublin
England series:
May 22 – v England, 1st T20I, Leeds
May 25 – v England, 2nd T20I, Birmingham
May 28– v England 3rd T20I, Cardiff
May 30 – v England, 4th T20I, The Oval