Hassan Ali in Pakistan squad for Ireland and England tours

Warwickshire seamer Hassan Ali has been called up to the Pakistan squad that’s set to tour Ireland and England later this month.

Ali wasn’t expected to feature on the IT20 tour – which starts in Ireland on 10 May – but an injury to fellow Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has seen him drafted into the travelling party.

Pakistan play three IT20s in Ireland before heading to England for four more starting at Headingley on 22 May before moving to Edgbaston, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, and finally The Oval.

It means the 29-year-old could line up for Pakistan against England at his “second home” Edgbaston in front of a sell-out crowd on 25 May.

The call-up rules Ali out of Warwickshire’s County Championship rips to Surrey (starts 10 May), Essex (17 May), and Lancashire (24 May).

Bears Vitality Blast campaign starts in Durham on 31 May.

Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen, who played 129 times for New Zealand, said: “It’s fantastic news for Hassan and we’re all thrilled for him.

“He’s a passionate guy and nothing is more important to him than playing for Pakistan. I think playing for the Bears is a close second for him, he loves the place, but nothing beats representing your country.

“We didn’t think Hass was going to be called up to the squad but sometimes in cricket these things happen and we have to adjust. We’ll stay in regular contact with the Pakistan Cricket Board and Hassan himself to monitor the situation.

“Chris Woakes will be back with us later this month so he comes back into contention for both red and white ball games.”

Ali has taken three wickets in two games since his return to Warwickshire last month, having bagged 24 red ball wickets in seven matches for the Bears last season.