Hasan returns as Pakistan names squad for BD series

ISLAMABAD: In a move that has captured attention across the cricketing circles, fast bowler Hasan Ali has made a compelling return to Pakistan’s T20 International setup after a year-long absence.

The pacer has been recalled for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting May 28 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This series marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s T20 strategy, with star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi being rested or in some views, dropped -- as the selectors opt for a mix of fresh talent and experienced hands in preparation for upcoming challenges.

One of the most notable inclusions in the team is the PSL X’s standout performer Sahibzada Farhan, who has emerged as the tournament’s most prolific batsman so far. His sizzling form has earned him a deserved spot in the national lineup after a hiatus since his last appearance against Zimbabwe in December.

The squad features eight new or returning faces, including Fakhar Zaman -- making a comeback with his aggressive top-order potential; Saim Ayub --returning after recovering from injury; Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, and the explosive Sahibzada Farhan.

Several players from the recent five-match T20 series against New Zealand have been left out. These include Abbas Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Jahandad Khan, Usman Khan, Abdul Samad, and Omair Yousaf -- primarily due to lackluster performances in the ongoing PSL. A PCB selector, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed that these exclusions do not signal the end of the road.

“We are rotating the players and testing combinations. This is part of a broader strategy to identify and groom talent for the long term,” he said. “Even the senior players like Hasan Ali can return so the doors remain open for others like Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam as well.”

Hasan’s inclusion is a testament to his resilience. His last outing for Pakistan, against Ireland in Dublin, was underwhelming (0-42 in four overs), leading to his omission from the T20 World Cup squad. However, his impressive performances for Karachi Kings in PSL X have strengthened selectors’ faith about his abilities.

On the spin front, the selectors have chosen to be economical. “We’ve got several all-rounders who can bowl spin, so we’ve picked just one specialist -- Abrar Ahmed,” the selector added.

The team’s formation discussions were held in Islamabad, involving newly-appointed Head Coach Mike Hesson, signaling a collaborative approach between selectors and the coaching staff. The series will be Hessen’s first as the national team head coach.

With an eye on the future, and a balance of tested warriors and emerging stars, this new-look Pakistan squad is set to ignite Gaddafi Stadium with renewed vigor and high-stakes competition.

16-member squad (in alphabetical order): Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper) and Saim Ayub.

Pakistan vs. Bangladesh T20I series will be staged as follows, with all matches to be played in Lahore: 1st T20I: May 28

2nd T20I: May 30

3rd T20I: June 1.