This month, Pakistan will play three and four-match T20I series against England and Ireland.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the 18-member team for the upcoming T20I trips ahead of the T20I World Cup 2024, clearing up any remaining confusion on Pakistan's cricket team for the tours of England and Ireland.

Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and other players make up the Green Shirts, which are led by Babar Azam.

The announcement coincides with the national team's upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series against Ireland from May 10–May 14. Following that, on May 22, the team will play a four-match series in England.

The tours for the national team are very important and will help the team get ready for the T20I World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to start in June in the United States and the West Indies.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a deadline of May 24 for team announcements, hence the PCB has decided to limit the roster to 15 players for the mega-event following the first Twenty20I match against England on May 22.

In elaborating on the team, the PCB mentioned that pacer Rauf and Azam, who were sidelined in the recently finished New Zealand series due to injuries, have returned to the national team.

After being rested in two of the series' matches against the Black Caps, middle-order batsman Muhammad Irfan and wicket-keeper batter Mohammed Rizwan have also been included to the squad.

"The four cricketers underwent fitness assessments at the National Cricket Academy on Tuesday afternoon, showing significant improvement. This progress has provided confidence and encouragement to the PCB Medical Panel and the team management regarding their potential availability during the seven T20Is," the board said.

In response to questions about Hasan Ali's selection, the PCB stated that the pacer's wide background—he has played in 50 T20Is and excelled in bilateral series and ICC competitions—is the reason for his inclusion.

Sadly, Usama Mir, a spinner, and fast bowler Zaman Khan, who played in the series against the Kiwis, were left off the roster.

"We understand Usama and Zaman will be disappointed [...] 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," PCB's press release read quoting the selection committee.

It should be mentioned that on May 7, the national team will leave for Dublin, Ireland, following a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4–6.

The players who represent Pakistan are: Muhammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, and captain Babar Azam.

Schedule of matches:

Ireland series:

May 10 – v Ireland, 1st T20I, Dublin

May 12 – v Ireland, 2nd T20, Dublin

May 14 – v Ireland, 3rd T20I, Dublin

England series:

May 22 – v England, 1st T20I, Leeds

May 25 – v England, 2nd T20I, Birmingham

May 28– v England 3rd T20I, Cardiff

May 30 – v England, 4th T20I, The Oval