In the world of cricket, captains often maintain secrecy surrounding team selections, especially before major tournaments. However, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam may have unintentionally revealed insights into the fate of veteran pacer Hasan Ali while discussing squad dynamics.
During a discussion about the 18-man squad for the upcoming matches against Ireland and England, Azam indicated that Hasan Ali was included as a ‘backup’ player, suggesting he might not be part of the final T20 World Cup squad.
Azam’s Disclosure: “I am hearing for quite some time that why is he [Hassan Ali] back? Selectors have also made it clear that he is there as back up. It is not that he is part of the 15-member squad [for World Cup]. We need to understand that he is a backup because of his experience,” Babar said.
Azam’s remarks imply that Hasan Ali may not be among the first-choice pacers for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. Emphasizing Ali’s experience, Azam hinted at his selection as a backup option. Whether this revelation was accidental or strategic remains uncertain.
Impact and Debate: Azam’s statement has triggered debate and speculation regarding Hasan Ali’s status in the national team. Despite criticism surrounding Ali’s inclusion in the squad for the Ireland and England series, his potential exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad raises further questions.
After a challenging series against New Zealand, Pakistan will resume their T20 World Cup preparations with a match against Ireland on May 10, followed by a series against England. The outcome of these matches could shed more light on Hasan Ali’s role in the team.
