ENG vs PAK T20I: Pakistan’s pace bowler Hasan Ali has been released from the squad ahead of the first T20 International against England in Leeds. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that senior fast bowler Haris Rauf has regained match fitness, allowing Hasan to fulfill his commitments to English County cricket.
Hasan Ali was initially included in the 18-member squad that toured Ireland and is now in England as cover for Haris, who has been recovering from a groin injury since February. Hasan played in one of the T20 Internationals in Ireland but conceded many runs.
Following the England series, the players will head to the USA and West Indies for the World T20 Cup. Notably, Pakistan is the only country yet to announce its 15-member World Cup squad.
Batters Agha Ali Salman and Irfan Niazi, currently in England, are expected to be named traveling reserves for the tournament. The series between Pakistan and England is the final T20 engagement for both teams before the World Cup. England’s IPL participants have all returned from India for the four-match series.
Hasan’s compatriot, Aamer Jamal, also played for Warwickshire but took only one wicket in his first two appearances and was subsequently dropped for their recent defeat against Essex. “Jamal is struggling for rhythm and not reaching the sort of pace we’d like him to,” said Mark Robinson, Warwickshire’s coach, after their defeat to Surrey.
Last week, the club signed Canterbury seamer Michael Rae on a short-term contract. Rae took five wickets against Essex. With Chris Rushworth, Liam Norwell, Michael Booth, and Craig Miles all sidelined due to injuries, Barbados-born Che Simmons made his first-class debut at Chelmsford, achieving match figures of 5 for 71.
Squads
England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan
Schedule of Pakistan’s Tour of England
- May 22: First T20I at Leeds
- May 25: Second T20I at Birmingham
- May 28: Third T20I at Cardiff
- May 30: Fourth T20I at The Oval
For those looking to catch the ENG vs PAK T20I match live, finding the best free VPN for Sky Sport can be crucial. This ensures you don’t miss a moment of action, no matter where you are.
The much-anticipated match between England and Pakistan will take place on 23rd May 2024 at 02:30:00 (UTC+9), at Headingley Cricket Ground. Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action on Sky Sports in South Korea.