Pakistan’s likely T20 World Cup squad as deadline looms

Pakistan are set to announce their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad in a day or two with Babar Azam set to lead the Men in Green.

The deadline for squad announcement is May 25 and any changes after that will require approval from the ICC’s Event Technical Committee.

Yesterday, fast bowler Hasan Ali was released from Pakistan’s T20I squad. The Pakistan team management has decided to let Hasan continue his commitments in county cricket for Warwickshire.

Initially, Hasan was selected as an injury cover for Haris Rauf — who is now fully fit and is set to take part in the four-match T20I series against England.

Hasan registered figures of 0/42 in his last T20I appearance for Pakistan, which came against Ireland on May 14.

The right-armer has 60 wickets in 50 T20I innings for Pakistan at an economy rate of 8.45.

The development confirms that Pakistan’s squad will be reduced to 17 for the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, which begins on June 1.

Pakistan had earlier named an 18-member squad for the T20I series against Ireland and England, which will be reduced to 15 for the World Cup. The squad will also include two travelling reserves.

Pakistan are in Group A of the event, alongside India, Ireland, Canada and USA. 

Pakistan’s likely T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf.

Reserves: Salman Ali Agha and Irfan Khan.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 schedule

June 6: Pakistan vs USA, Dallas

June 9: Pakistan vs India, New York

June 11: Pakistan vs Canada, New York

June 16: Pakistan vs Ireland, Lauderhill