Pakistan to make key changes for first T20I against England

Pakistan cricket team is gearing up for significant changes in their lineup for the first T20I against England scheduled for May 22 in Leeds. 

Three notable adjustments are expected, with fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, along with top-order batter Usman Khan, set to join the playing XI.

The inclusion of Naseem, Haris, and Usman marks a strategic move by Pakistan's management to finalize their World Cup combination. This decision comes after the recent T20I series victory against Ireland, where opener Saim Ayub and pacer Hasan Ali were part of the lineup, but might face exclusion to accommodate the new additions.

In addition to these changes, the team is contemplating dropping one pacer to make room for either leg-spinner Shadab Khan or mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. 

Head coach Gary Kirsten, who is set to join the squad soon, will play a pivotal role in the final decision-making process. Kirsten's experience and insights are expected to guide Pakistan in fielding their strongest lineup during the England series, serving as a crucial test before the T20 World Cup commences on June 1 in the United States and West Indies.

The Men in Green will play their last series before the World Cup against the defending T20 World Cup champions, England. This four-match T20I series is scheduled to start on May 22nd.

Pakistan squad for England series: Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan

England vs Pakistan T20I series:

• May 22: First T20I in Leeds (10:30pm PST)
• May 25: Second T20I in Birmingham (6:30pm PST)
• May 28: Third T20I in Cardiff (10:30pm PST)
• May 30: Fourth T20I at The Oval, London (10:30pm PST)