LAHORE: The Pakistan selectors revealed the reason behind recalling fast bowler Hasan Ali for the Ireland and England tour on Thursday.

The national selection committee members Abdul Razzaq, Bilal Afzal, Mohammad Yousuf and Wahab Riaz announced the 18-member Pakistan squad during a press conference here.

However, Hasan Ali’s selection raised eyebrows, prompting questions regarding his comeback.

While responding to a question, Wahab Riaz clarified that the right-arm pacer is selected on the back of his experience, as well as a backup for Haris Rauf.

“Hasan Ali was already in our plans for T20 World Cup 2024. He is a backup of Haris Rauf and we have communicated that to Hasan Ali,” said Riaz.

“If Haris gets fit before the England series then he will be our first choice. If we feel Haris Rauf is not fit then Hasan Ali will replace him.”

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Notably, Hasan Ali played the last of his 50 T20I matches against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022.

He recently picked 14 wickets in 10 games for Karachi Kings during Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.

The national team will play a three-match T20I series against Ireland from 10 May, followed by a four-match series against England.

Pakistan will announce the squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 after the first T20I against England, scheduled on 22 May.

Pakistan Squad for Ireland & England Tour

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayyub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan

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