Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah is in danger of missing the entire ICC World Cup 2023 due to a severe shoulder injury, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Initially believed to be a minor ailment, scans have now revealed that Naseem Shah’s right shoulder injury is more serious than anticipated. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking a second opinion, but the initial scans conducted in Dubai suggest that Shah might be sidelined for the remainder of the year.
If these secondary scans confirm the initial diagnosis, 20-year-old Naseem Shah could face several months on the sidelines. This puts his participation in the upcoming Test series in Australia and the Pakistan Super League in doubt.
The unfortunate incident occurred during Pakistan’s second match against India at the Asia Cup last week. Shah had to leave the field during the 46th over, which was a reserve day designated for that game. Subsequently, the PCB released an official statement declaring him unfit for the remainder of the tournament.
It’s important to note that Shah’s injury is a new one and not a recurrence of any previous shoulder problems.
In light of this setback, Zaman Khan, who stepped in for Shah during the Asia Cup, might be called up to represent Pakistan in the World Cup.
The PCB will make a final decision regarding Shah’s participation once they receive the results of his secondary scans, expected in the coming days.
The ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19, will feature ten teams competing for the coveted title across ten different venues. The tournament will kick off at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which will also host the final match.
In this edition of the Cricket World Cup, teams will participate in a round-robin format, playing a total of 45 league matches. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, set to be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. Both the semi-finals and the final will have designated reserve days.
As per the tournament regulations, all participating teams must finalize their 15-player squads by September 28. Any replacements requested after this deadline will require approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Read more: Babar Azam says Naseem Shah may miss a ‘couple’ of World Cup matches
The cricketing world will be closely monitoring Naseem Shah’s recovery as Pakistan and cricket enthusiasts worldwide hope for his swift return to action.
