Asia Cup 2022: Hasan Ali replaces Mohammad Wasim in Pakistan's squad

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Hasan Ali in Pakistan’s squad for the 2022 T20 Asia Cup as a replacement for Mohammad Wasim who complained of back pain during a training session at the ICC Academy, Dubai, and was sent for an MRI scan.

As per Wasim’s MRI report, the pacer has sustained a side strain and now has been ruled out of the tournament. A medical team is continuously monitoring Wasim’s condition and his return to international cricket will be reassessed before the England tour of Pakistan.

Hasan Ali was not part of Pakistan’s squad for the Netherlands tour as well

Express pacer Hasan Ali was recently dropped from the Pakistani team due to his poor bowling form. The right-arm pacer was not part of the Netherlands tour which was won by the Men in Green. However, skipper Babar Azam had then backed Hasan to perform well in the domestic format and make a return to the international scene.

“I know Hasan Ali is not in form, but it’s not like that he has to prove anything. I support Hasan Ali because he’s a team man … domestic cricket is coming up, he’ll play that and hopefully make a strong comeback,” Babar had said earlier.

Hasan Ali has played only three ODIs over the last year and scalped just two wickets at a poor average of 76.50. The express pacer also did not have a good outing during the 2021 T20 World Cup as he snared only five wickets at an average of 41.40. He also dropped the prized catch of Matthew Wade during the semi-finals clash against Australia which deeply damaged the Men in Green as Wade completely thrashed the Pakistani bowling unit and ended their World Cup campaign.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is set to take on India in their tournament opener to be played on August 28 (Sunday). The encounter will take place at the Dubai International Stadium and both teams will be looking to have a good start to the tournament.