English County Club Upset With Hasan Ali’s Selection

Warwickshire County Cricket Club has been left “disappointed” after Hasan Ali’s late inclusion in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the home series against Bangladesh disrupted their plans for the start of the Vitality T20 Blast.

The experienced pacer, who had signed up for a third stint with Warwickshire, was expected to join the Bears by the end of May, just in time to bolster their pace attack for the early stages of the Blast. However, Hasan Ali’s impressive PSL X campaign, where he took 17 wickets in 10 matches for Karachi Kings, earned him a national recall under Pakistan’s new management, throwing a wrench into Warwickshire’s preparations.

Warwickshire CEO Stuart Cain expressed his frustration over the unexpected development, stating that the club had been led to believe Hasan would not feature in Pakistan’s plans this summer.

“The Hasan Ali situation is very frustrating,” Cain said. “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 pointed out how changing priorities in international cricket and the lure of global T20 leagues are making it increasingly difficult for counties to secure overseas talent for full seasons.

“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,” he added.

Hasan Ali’s situation mirrors previous seasons with Warwickshire. In 2023, he made an impact in the County Championship with 24 wickets but missed early T20 Blast matches due to injury. Last year, he was called up to Pakistan’s white-ball camp just after returning to Edgbaston, only to spend time on the bench during the Ireland series. He then suffered an elbow injury after five T20 Blast appearances, cutting his season short once again.

This time, he is expected to join Warwickshire’s T20 squad before June 8, missing the opening stretch of the tournament. He will be available for a brief window between July 4-13, before leaving again for Pakistan’s white-ball series against the West Indies in the USA and Caribbean, scheduled from July 31 to August 12.

Despite the disruptions, Warwickshire head coach Ian Westwood remains hopeful about Hasan Ali’s contributions during his limited availability.

“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,” Westwood told Geo News.

While Warwickshire remains hopeful Hasan can make a meaningful impact during his brief appearances, there’s clear disappointment at losing continuity and planning stability once again. With the Blast campaign just around the corner, the Bears now face the challenge of adjusting their bowling plans while hoping their marquee overseas pacer returns firing on all cylinders, however briefly.