Will Hassan Ali play T20I World Cup with Babar XI?

Fast bowler Hassan Ali has been released from Pakistan's T20I squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday.

"The team management has decided to let Hasan Ali continue his commitments in county cricket," the cricket body informed in a press release. 

However, the PCB's decision created confusion about the 29-year-old pacer's inclusion in the national team's squad for short-over format's mega event.

The right-arm speedster has taken 60 wickets in 50 T20I matches for Pakistan at an economy rate of 8.45.

According to sources, Pakistan's likely T20I World Cup squad will feature skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman.

The squad is also expected to include Usman Khan, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and a strong bowling attack with Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abbas Afridi. 

All-rounders Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim are also likely to be included, with Salman Ali Agha and Irfan Khan Niazi will be named as reserves.

Hassan Ali, who is currently representing the English county of Warwickshire, was included in the squad as an injury cover for fast bowler Haris Rauf.

The 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup will be announced in the next few days.

Previously, PCB announced an 18-man squad for their upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England.

The final 15-member World Cup squad needs to be confirmed by May 25. Any changes made after this deadline will require approval from the ICC's Event Technical Committee.