July 10, 2025
Pakistan batter questions Hasan Ali’s exclusion from T20I squad


Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has stirred debate after publicly questioning the selection criteria behind Hasan Ali’s return to the national T20I squad ahead of the Ireland–England tour. Shehzad suggested the pacer’s recall may have been driven more by personal ties than performance merit.
Sheikh’s return and Shehzad’s critique
Hasan Ali was named in the expanded 18‑player T20I squad as backup for the Ireland and England series—though not part of the core 15-man group. Pakistan captain Babar Azam defended the selection, stating Hasan was picked for his experience and as part of a consensus decision by all seven selectors.
But Shehzad took issue with this rationale. Speaking to Geo News, he said, “Hasan Ali was going to find his way back in the team…because…Azhar Mahmood…Wahab Riaz…even Babar Azam is close with Hasan Ali.” He added, “I am not able to find any performances to justify his place in the team” and suggested that more deserving talents like Zaman Khan or Mohammad Ali were overlooked.
Reaction: Experience vs form
- Babar Azam countered Shehzad’s analysis, emphasising Hasan’s role as a backup and that the decision reflected the consensus view of the selection committee.
- Shahid Afridi, former Pakistan captain, voiced surprise over the inclusion, saying selectors possibly preferred experience, but questioned Hasan’s recent form, indicating options like Zaman Khan might have been more deserving.
- Shehzad’s critique echoes growing concerns among analysts that team selections may favour connections over current domestic or PSL performances. He warned this approach could demoralize emerging talent.
What’s next
- Pakistan's T20I tour begins in Dublin, kicking off with the first match on July 12, followed by England fixtures. Hasan Ali is expected to serve as backup under Haris Rauf.
- The wider narrative now reflects a timely debate: Should selectors prioritise form over pedigree? Pakistan's upcoming squad choices could signal a new performance-based regime or reinforce loyalty-based selections.
- With Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s new white-ball coach, emphasising role clarity and merit-based picks, future squad compositions may face higher scrutiny.
As Pakistan heads into key T20 series and builds toward the Asia Cup and World Cup, the Hasan Ali selection row isn’t just off-season noise—it may define the team’s direction and selection transparency in the months ahead.
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