Pakistan name 18-member squad for Ireland and England series, Haris Rauf returns

Pakistan is all set to tour Ireland and England for a seven T20Is, starting with the three-match series against Ireland from May 10 to 14, followed by four games against England from May 22 to 30 ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) announced an 18-member squad for the series. 

With Babar Azam as the skipper, the squad features the likes of Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah. It is worth noting that the squad will be reduced to 15 for the World Cup 2024 in June.

Leg-spinner Usama Mir and pacer Zaman Khan, who were a part of the recent series against New Zealand, failed to make the cut this time around. Furthermore, Haris Rauf and Azam Khan sat out of the New Zealand T20Is due to injuries, whereas Muhammad Irfan Khan and Mohammad Rizwan were rested in the final two T20Is due to niggles. The four players went through assessment at the NCA and the board is hopeful of their return, and they could be featuring for Pakistan in the upcoming T20I matches. 

“Crafting this squad was a challenging task due to the outstanding talent available. After thorough deliberation and considering various cricketing aspects, we have finalised these 18 players. We understand Usama and Zaman will be disappointed and they should be as they must be looking ahead to the tours of Ireland and England. They are quality cricketers and have long careers ahead of them. They need to continue to focus on their cricket so that they are available, if required,” the PCB said in a statement.

Pakistan team will depart for Dublin on May 7 following a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4-6. 

Pakistan squad for Ireland and England T20Is

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

Ireland vs Pakistan 2024 Fixtures

10 May – v Ireland, 1^st T20I, Dublin

12 May – v Ireland, 2^nd T20, Dublin

14 May – v Ireland, 3^rd T20I, Dublin

England vs Pakistan 2024 Fixtures

22 May – v England, 1^st T20I, Leeds

25 May – v England, 2^nd T20I, Birmingham

28 May – v England 3^rd T20I, Cardiff

30 May – v England, 4^th T20I, The Oval