Warwickshire management ‘frustrated' over Hasan Ali's surprise inclusion in Pakistan's squad

BIRMINGHAM: Hasan Ali’s surprise inclusion in Pakistan’s squad for the Bangladeshi T20I series left Warwickshire CCC "frustrated". The fast bowler was expected to return to Warwickshire at the end of this month — just in time for the T20 Blast campaign.

Hasan’s brilliant performance in the recently concluded PSL X for Karachi King earned him a place in the T20 squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh. This resulted in him missing the opening few matches of the T20 discharge season. The change in Hasan’s circumstances meant that he would join Warwickshire’s T20 squad before June 8. Also, he would not be fully available for the seasons as he committed earlier.

Expressing disappointment, the Chief Executive of Warwickshire CCC Stuart Cain said in a statement, “The Hasan Ali’s situation is very frustrating. We believed we had assurances he would not be involved with the Pakistan side this summer. But a change of management at the PCB has meant he’s been given a central contract and won’t be able to support us throughout the season as expected.”

Cain also cited the financial incentives of T20 leagues and extended obligations of international cricket being the reasons for not securing quality international cricketers for the full county season.

“It’s very hard to find players that will both improve the squad and be available for the majority of the summer. In years gone by, it was much easier to get quality overseas players for an entire season, and for season after season.”

The 30-year-old pacer was one of the standout performers in the latest edition of the Pakistan Super League. Representing Karachi Kings, Hasan grabbed 17 wickets in 10 games. Warwickshire Head Coach Ian Westwood was hopeful that Hasan’s ball form would continue in the blast season too.

Speaking to Geo, the head coach said, “He’s a bear, he loves it here, and he’s a quality performer in all formats. He did well in the Championship previously, and we know his quality in T20s, both with the new ball and at the death and we’re looking forward to him joining us again.”

Hasan was signed by Warwickshire first in 2023 where he made an instant impact bagging 24 wickets in the county championship in the first half of the season. He got injured moments before the start of the T20 Blast but did recover later and played a few games before leaving the club as his contract ended with the Bears.

In 2024, Hasan returned to Edgbaston again but just after a couple of games, he was recalled to Pakistan's white ball squad for the series against host England. Though he played 5 matches in the T20 Blast, claiming 10 scalps but an injury to elbow ruled him out of action for the rest of the season.

Like the previous two seasons which had been hampered by injuries and international duties, this season was also not looking any different for Hasan which also left Ian Westwood feeling disappointed.

“Last year was really frustrating. He arrived, then had to go to a camp, and ended up carrying drinks in Ireland. By the time he came back, he got injured,” Westwood recalled.

It was also understood Ali would not be available for Warwickshire’s County Championship match against Somerset at Edgbaston starting on June 22 or the trip to Sussex the following week. But he would return to T20 action for five more blasts games between July 4-13 before linking up again with Pakistan for the T20I and ODI series against West Indies which is scheduled to take place in the USA and Caribbean from July 31 to August 12.

Meanwhile, the Club also awaited confirmation from the PCB over Ali’s availability for the Blast quarter finals and finals day should the Bears progress to the knockout stages.