Former Pakistan U-19 captain Hassan Khan earns first USA call-up

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Former Pakistan Under-19 captain Hassan Khan has received his first call-up to the United States senior cricket team for the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series involving the USA, UAE and Namibia.

The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder has been added to the USA squad as a replacement for fast bowler Ali Khan, who has been ruled out of the competition because of a hamstring injury.

Hassan, who will turn 28 on October 16, is set to make his senior international debut almost nine years after captaining Pakistan at the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. That Pakistan squad also included future international stars Shaheen Shah Afridi and Musa Khan.

Once considered a promising young cricketer in Pakistan, Hassan struggled to secure regular opportunities at domestic and Pakistan Super League level. He later moved to the United States and rebuilt his career through Major League Cricket.

During the 2024 MLC season, Hassan represented the San Francisco Unicorns and scored 204 runs at an average of 40.80 and a strike rate of 143.66. He also took 10 wickets during the tournament.

He produced another strong campaign in the 2025 season, scoring 225 runs at a strike rate of 187.50 and hitting 17 sixes.

Across his two MLC seasons, Hassan scored 429 runs from 262 deliveries and struck 30 sixes. His performances also earned him opportunities in other major franchise leagues, including the Big Bash League, ILT20 and Caribbean Premier League.

Hassan returned to the Pakistan Super League in 2026 with Hyderabad Kingsmen. He scored 139 runs in eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 195.77, with a highest score of 33 not out, while also taking six wickets.

His consistent performances have now earned him an opportunity at international level with the USA.

The American team will hope Hassan can contribute immediately as it prepares for the World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for February.