Hasan Nawaz Returns as Injury Forces Pakistan to Make an Emergency Change to Tri-Series Squad

In an unexpected twist just hours before Pakistan begin their T20I tri-series campaign, the Pakistan cricket team’s management has been compelled to make a late change, recalling Hasan Nawaz for the tournament.

According to sources, rising batter Abdul Samad has been released from the national squad after suffering a finger injury which has left a vacant spot in the team. Abdul Samad, who was being considered as a middle-order option in the opening game of the series, sustained the injury during a fielding drill while training. He underwent a procedure for the injury which will reportedly require at least four weeks of rest, ruling him out of the tri-nation series altogether.

His withdrawal opens the door once again for Hasan Nawaz, who has been drafted back into the setup after recently being left out due to poor form. The talented right-hander was omitted from the South Africa series after failing to impress with the bat. He now has the opportunity to return to form in familiar conditions.

For Pakistan, the change arrives at a delicate moment. With the tri-series doubling as a crucial preparation phase ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, every match was expected to offer fringe players a chance to cement their place. Abdul Samad’s absence disrupts that plan, especially with the team already searching for stability in the lower middle order.

Hasan Nawaz’s return, however, provides a familiar face and a second opportunity. Despite enduring a tough run in recent months, team management believes his power-hitting ability could still play a role in the series, provided he finds rhythm quickly.

With the tri-series opener against Zimbabwe just an hour away, Pakistan will now move forward with a slightly reshuffled squad, hoping the late setback does not impact their momentum.