Hasan Ali’s T20 Blast Return Delayed by National Call-Up

BIRMINGHAM: Warwickshire County Cricket Club (CCC) faces disappointment as Hasan Ali’s inclusion in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the series against Bangladesh disrupts his expected return. The fast bowler’s participation in the T20 Blast will be affected.

Originally slated to rejoin Warwickshire by the end of this month for the T20 Blast, Hasan’s selection for the national team has altered plans. His impressive performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Karachi Kings secured him a spot in the T20 series against Bangladesh.

As a result, Hasan will be unavailable for the initial matches of Warwickshire’s T20 Blast campaign. His arrival is now anticipated around June 8, limiting his overall availability for the season.

Warwickshire’s Frustration

Warwickshire CCC Chief Executive Stuart Cain voiced his frustration, stating, “The situation with Hasan Ali is quite disheartening. We believed we had assurances that he wouldn’t be involved with the Pakistan side this summer. However, a change in management at the PCB has led to him receiving a central contract, impacting his ability to support us as initially planned.”

Cain also pointed out the challenges of securing international players for the entire county season due to financial incentives from T20 leagues and increased international commitments.

Securing Quality Players

“It’s increasingly difficult to find players who can enhance the squad and remain available for most of the summer. In the past, it was simpler to secure quality overseas players for an entire season, consistently,” he added.

The 30-year-old pacer stood out in the recent PSL season, claiming 17 wickets in 10 matches for Karachi Kings.

Warwickshire Head Coach Ian Westwood, in a recent interview, expressed optimism that Hasan’s form would translate into the Blast season.

“He enjoys playing here and performs well across formats. He has previously excelled in the Championship, and we recognize his T20 skills, especially with the new ball and in death overs. We eagerly await his return,” Westwood commented.

Previous Seasons

Hasan initially signed with Warwickshire in 2023, immediately making an impact with 24 wickets in the County Championship’s first half. An injury before the T20 Blast briefly sidelined him, but he returned for a few matches before his contract concluded.

In 2024, Hasan rejoined Edgbaston but was quickly recalled to Pakistan’s white-ball squad for the England series after a few Blast games. Despite taking 10 wickets in five T20 Blast matches, an elbow injury cut his season short.

Similar to the past two seasons, Hasan’s availability is affected by injuries and international duties, much to Westwood’s disappointment.

“Last year was particularly frustrating. He arrived, then had to attend a camp, only to be a substitute in Ireland. By the time he returned, he got injured,” Westwood recalled.

Hasan is also expected to miss Warwickshire’s County Championship match against Somerset at Edgbaston starting June 22, along with the subsequent fixture against Sussex.

However, he is scheduled to play five Blast games between July 4 and 13 before joining Pakistan for the T20I and ODI series against the West Indies, from July 31 to August 12 in the USA and Caribbean.

Warwickshire CCC is currently awaiting confirmation from the PCB regarding Hasan Ali’s availability for the Blast quarter-finals and Finals Day, should the team advance.