Pakistan’s Men’s National Selection Committee named the T20I squad during a press conference in Lahore for their tour of Ireland and England, starting 10 May with the three-match series against the Irish.

Haris Rauf is set for a return after missing the series against New Zealand after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered during the PSL. Hasan Ali also makes a comeback in the squad that will travel to Ireland and England for the T20I series.

Pakistan have retained much of the squad that played against the Black Caps with two players – Usama Mir and Zaman Khan – omitted from the squad. Salman Ali Agha, who was in the reserves in the recent home series, makes the cut for the 18-member travelling contingent.

Azam Khan was sidelined for the entire series against New Zealand due to discomfort in his right leg during the build-up, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was forced out of the last two matches following a hamstring injury sustained in the third game.

Babar Azam will lead the side after being reinstated as white-ball captain ahead of the five-match T20I series at home against New Zealand, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate after the first game was washed out.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.

Speaking on the squad, the selection committee said: “Crafting this squad was a challenging task due to the outstanding talent available. After thorough deliberation and considering various cricketing aspects, we have finalised these 18 players.

“The squad encompasses a robust top-order featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan; an effective middle-order with Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Muhammad Irfan Khan; versatile all-rounders in Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha; a pace battery led by Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi; and the spin prowess of Abrar Ahmed.

“We understand Usama and Zaman will be disappointed and they should be as they must be looking ahead to the tours of Ireland and England. They are quality cricketers and have long careers ahead of them. They need to continue to focus on their cricket so that they are available, if required.”

Schedule:

Ireland series:

May 10: First T20I, Dublin

May 12 Second T20I, Dublin

May 14: Third T20I, Dublin

England series:

May 22: First T20I, Leeds

May 25: Second T20I, Birmingham

May 28: Third T20I, Cardiff

May 30: Fourth T20I, London