Birmingham: Pakistan’s veteran fast bowler Hasan Ali suffered an injury during the ongoing Twenty20 Blast tournament in Birmingham.
The incident happened moments before the opening match between Birmingham Bears and Yorkshire Vikings when Hasan Ali was warming up at the ground. Despite his absence, his team, the Birmingham Bears, won by 34 runs.
No specific details regarding the nature of Hasan Ali’s injury have been revealed yet. Witnesses said Birmingham Bears staff rushed to him, assisted him and got him off the ground.
Among the distinguished Pakistani cricketers participating in the tournament are Shaheen Afridi, an expert fast bowler, Shaan Masood, a stylish left-arm opening batsman, Shadab Khan, an all-rounder, Zafar Gohar, a left-arm spinner, Usama Mir, a leg-spinner, And Haider Ali and Zaman Khan with brilliant talents. Spanning nine weeks, the tournament promises an exciting showcase of talent.
Hasan Ali recently signed with Warwickshire County Cricket Club (CCC) for the current season. While he has previously represented Peshawar Zalmi in the first editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he has been linked with Islamabad United in recent times. Notably, Hasan Ali was adjudged the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, which further highlighted his exceptional talent.
The 21st edition of the T20 Blast tournament, now renamed Vitality Blast, kicked off on May 20 with an enthralling double-header at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. Launched in June 2003 as the inaugural T20 League, initially called the Twenty20 Cup, the competition is administered by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The tournament retains the same format as last year, with 18 county sides divided into North and South groups.
North Group: Birmingham Bears, Derbyshire Falcons, Durham, Lancashire Lightning, Leicestershire Foxes, Northamptonshire Steelbacks, Notts Outlaws, Worcestershire Rapids, Yorkshire Vikings.
South Group: Essex Eagles, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire Hawks, Kent Spitfires, Middlesex, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex Sharks.
