PCB releases star pacer from squad ahead of T20I series vs England

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released pace bowler Hasan Ali from its squad ahead of the first T20I against England in Leeds. This decision has come in after pacer Haris Rauf was declared fit and will be joining the team soon. Hence, Hasan is allowed to fulfil his commitments to English County cricket. Hasan was included in the 18-member squad since Rauf had been dealing with a groin injury since February. 

"Fast bowler Hasan Ali has been released from the T20I squad. The team management has decided to let Hasan Ali continue his commitments in county cricket," read a PCB statement.

Now that the player is fit, he'll make a comeback to the team. Haris Rauf has proved to be one of the best bowlers in Pakistan in recent times. However, Hasan Ali has also been impressive in the T20I format with 60 wickets in 51 matches at an economy rate of 8.45. Ali has been quite consistent for the team with his performances worldwide, but the recent series against Ireland wasn't that great. Nevertheless, Hasan can continue his stint with English county side Warwickshire rather than being part of Pakistan's T20 World Cup team. 

Pakistan remains the only team to have not released T20 World Cup squad

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is just less than two weeks away and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn't released the squad yet. Meanwhile, all the other nations have released the squad for the upcoming marquee event. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has kept the deadline for the squad changes as May 25. 

While the Board isn't making any statements regarding the teams, Pakistan will be playing their 4-match T20I series against England from May 22, starting in Leeds. The 18-member squad for this series was released long back. Since they have three more days left, we'll get to see the much-awaited squad soon.