Hasan Ali returns to the Pakistan side: A tactical masterstroke or a massive blunder?

In a surprising turn of events, Hasan Ali, the dynamic Pakistani fast bowler, has made a sensational return to Pakistan’s One Day International (ODI) squad for the 2023 World Cup after a year-long absence. This remarkable comeback has left cricket enthusiasts and fans buzzing with excitement. But what led to this unexpected recall, and why was Hasan Ali chosen to be a part of the World Cup squad? Let’s delve into the details.

Firstly, it’s essential to highlight that Hasan Ali’s last appearance for Pakistan in an ODI was back in June, and he hasn’t featured in any T20 Internationals since September. Given his absence from international cricket, his selection might raise eyebrows, but there are solid reasons behind this decision.

The primary catalyst for Hasan Ali’s return can be attributed to the unfortunate injury to Naseem Shah, a vital component of Pakistan’s bowling attack. Naseem’s right shoulder injury, sustained during the Asia Cup, has sidelined him from the game for an extended period, likely beyond the World Cup. This injury created a void in Pakistan’s fast bowling department, which needed to be filled urgently.

Pakistan’s chief selector, Inzamam-ul-Haq, expressed his rationale for Hasan Ali’s inclusion, stating, “Since Naseem is out, we needed a bowler who could bowl with a new ball, and I think Hasan Ali is a very good choice in that regard.” Inzamam also emphasized Hasan Ali’s recent performances in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and his contributions to Warwickshire in Division One of the County Championship.

Hasan Ali’s Numbers

Hasan Ali’s statistics in the 2023 LPL further bolstered his case, where he secured eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.12 and an economy rate of 6.78. These numbers, while not extraordinary, showcase his effectiveness as a bowler.

One of Hasan Ali’s key attributes is his versatility – he can effectively operate with both the new and old ball. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset, especially in the absence of Naseem Shah. With bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Wasim already in the squad, Hasan Ali’s role may not be that of a spearhead but rather filling the missing link left by Naseem.

Despite his lack of recent ODI experience, with only seven games played since the 2019 World Cup, Hasan Ali’s issues have seldom been due to injury. This makes him a reliable squad option, considering the fitness concerns of other bowlers.

Moreover, Hasan Ali brings invaluable experience to the team. He was the leading wicket-taker during Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy campaign and played in the 2019 World Cup. His presence in high-pressure tournaments like the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup further underscores his significance to the team.

In addition to his bowling prowess, Hasan Ali has also shown improvement in his batting, providing depth to Pakistan’s lower order.

While some may question Hasan Ali’s recall, it’s clear that his inclusion is a strategic move to address Pakistan’s immediate bowling needs and bolster the team’s experience for the 2023 World Cup. The Pakistan cricket fraternity and fans are hopeful that Hasan Ali’s comeback will culminate with a successful World Cup campaign.