Hasan Ali Released from Pakistan Squad to Rejoin Warwickshire

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the decision to release Hasan Ali from the national team to resume his county cricket stint with Warwickshire, making his prospects of making Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad appear slim.

“The team management has decided to let Hasan Ali continue his commitments in county cricket,” stated the PCB in a press release on Wednesday, just before the first T20I against England in Leeds. “Initially, Hasan was selected as an injury cover for Haris Rauf.”

Hasan had earned a surprising recall to Pakistan’s T20I squad for the recent series against Ireland, despite having played only three matches in the format since the 2021 T20 World Cup. However, his performance in the series decider in Clontarf, where he recorded figures of 0 for 42 in three overs, led to his release from the squad.

With Pakistan yet to announce their provisional T20 World Cup squad, they must submit a final list of 15 players to the ICC before Saturday’s deadline.

Warwickshire, caught off guard by Hasan’s international recall, welcomed his return ahead of their County Championship match against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford, starting on Friday. Hasan will also participate in the T20 Blast, beginning next week, and will be staying with Warwickshire until the end of July.

Meanwhile, Hasan’s compatriot, Aamer Jamal, has also been playing for Warwickshire but struggled to find form, taking only one wicket in his first two appearances and subsequently losing his place in the side. “Jamal is struggling for rhythm and not reaching the sort of pace we’d like him to,” commented Warwickshire coach Mark Robinson following their recent defeat to Surrey.

To bolster their squad, Warwickshire signed Canterbury seamer Michael Rae on a short-term contract. Rae impressed with five wickets against Essex. With several key players, including Chris Rushworth, Liam Norwell, Michael Booth, and Craig Miles, sidelined due to injuries, Barbados-born Che Simmons made his first-class debut at Chelmsford, achieving match figures of 5 for 71.