“Naseem Shah Replaced by Hasan Ali in Pakistan’s World Cup Squad”
Pakistan has announced its squad for the 2023 World Cup, but there’s a change. Naseem Shah, the fast bowler, won’t be in the ICC Men’s squad. He suffered a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup in a match against India on September 11 and had to drop out of the tournament.
After thorough medical examinations and consultations with top medical experts, Naseem has been advised to have surgery. His recovery is expected to take three to four months. In his place, Hasan Ali, a right-arm pacer who last played an ODI in June 2022, has been added to the squad.
Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq explained, ‘Naseem Shah unfortunately got injured, and he’s our main bowler. Hasnain had an ankle operation. Ihsanullah had an elbow operation. We had few options left among fast bowlers due to injuries.’
‘Hasan Ali bowled well in the LPL and elsewhere recently. He is experienced and has played well for Pakistan previously in big events. Once Naseem Shah was ruled out, we also needed a bowler who could bowl with the new ball, and I think Hasan Ali is a great choice. He bowls well with the old ball too and is a team player. He brings energy into the team,’ Inzamam-ul-Haq added.
Despite some injuries, Haris Rauf and Babar Azam continue to be part of the squad. Babar Azam remains the team’s leader, and Fakhar Zaman retains his place too.
Naseem Shah expressed his disappointment on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, ‘With a heavy heart, I’m sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I’m disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah’s hands. InshahAllah, I will be on the field very soon. Thank you to all my fans for the prayers.’
