Pakistan confident quick Rauf on track for T20 WC

Fast bowler Rauf has been included in an 18-man squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, with Pakistan delaying their 15-strong party for the World Cup in the United States and West Indies until May 22.

The fitness of Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan and Azam Khan will be assessed during the seven T20s against Ireland and England.

"I wasn't expecting that he (Rauf) would recover so early and start bowling again," Babar told reporters in Lahore on Monday as the team prepared to fly out to Ireland, where the first T20 will be played in Dublin on Friday.

"There's lot of talk going around on his injury and how he will respond to it. But I think he will make a good response because when you give yourself proper rest mentally and physically, you can make a different impact."

Rauf has been out since dislocating his shoulder in late February during the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The seven-member selection committee, which also includes Babar, have named fast bowler Hasan Ali, who last played a T20 international in 2022, as backup for Rauf.

Babar backed the inclusion of Hasan after pace bowlers Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim and the PSL's top wicket-taker Mohammad Ali were omitted.

"There's no injustice with anyone. We debated a lot on the World Cup combination and Hasan is there as back-up for Rauf because of his experience," Babar said.

"Zaman and Ali are new-ball bowlers but we already have enough new-ball bowling options."

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who played in two T20s against New Zealand after ending his retirement, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abbas Afridi are Pakistan's pace options.

Under Babar, Pakistan have done well in the last two T20 World Cups, reaching the 2021 semi-finals in the UAE and losing to England in the final at the 2022 tournament in Australia.

"What happened in the past is in the past, unfortunately we couldn't finish the way we wanted," Babar said.

"We're doubly confident and believe we can bring the trophy home."

Pakistan start their campaign against the US in Dallas on June 6 before taking on arch-rivals India in New York three days later.

Australian Associated Press