Pakistan Cricket Board announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup where Naseem Shan ruled out owing to injury.
Naseem Shah ruled out of the World Cup 2023
Pakistan had recently completed its Asia Cup campaign with a defeat against Sri Lanka in Super Fours. On this occasion, PCB named its squad for the upcoming World Cup 2023, where Hasan Ali replaced Naseem Shah in the squad.
Naseem Shah sustained an injury on his right shoulder during the game against India in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup where India won with a 228-run difference. The scans revealed he was injured worse than expected and will be ruled out of the marquee tournament in India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board stated in a release on Friday, “Following thorough medical examinations and consultations with leading medical experts, Naseem has been advised to undergo surgery. He is expected to recover in three to four months.”
Hasan Ali has featured in 60 ODIs since his debut in 2017, dismissing 91 wickets at an average of 30.36. His last ODI appearance was in the home series against New Zealand in January 2023 in Karachi.
In the team led by Babar Azam, allrounder Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris and Zaman Khan have been excluded from the squad that played in the Asia Cup. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan has been retained as Babar Azam’s deputy for the tournament.
The PCB’s chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said, “World Cup is the most important event in any cricketer’s life and I want to congratulate all the cricketers who have made it to the squad through their impressive performances. This team has performed wonderfully well over the last couple of years and that is why we have shown faith in the same bunch.
“We were forced to make one change because of an unfortunate injury to Naseem Shah. We had a few injury scares in the recent Asia Cup, but I am glad to share that all the players are fully fit and are eager to perform for their country in the all-important tournament. I have received encouraging reports from our medical panel about Haris Rauf. He has started to (shadow) bowl at the National Cricket Academy and will be available for selection.
“I have a firm belief that this squad can bring the World Cup trophy to Pakistan and make the whole nation proud with their incredible performances. It is time to get behind our team and provide them with the backing and support that they need.”
Pakistan will be playing its Warmup games against New Zealand on September 29 and Australia on October 3 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
