Prominent Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah is set to undergo surgery after suffering a shoulder injury during the 2023 Asia Cup in a match against India on September 11. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Naseem will need an operation and is expected to recover within a three to four-month timeframe.
Naseem Shah’s injury resulted in his exclusion from the Asia Cup tournament. His absence was keenly felt by the Pakistani cricket team, given his valuable contributions as a key bowler.
Following thorough medical assessments and consultations with leading medical experts, it was determined that surgery is the best course of action for Naseem’s recovery. The PCB has officially replaced him with Hasan Ali in the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023.
PCB Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq expressed his disappointment at Naseem Shah’s injury, stating, “Naseem Shah is a key bowler for us, but he’s injured. Unfortunately, the report we have from our doctors indicates that Naseem will be sidelined for a longer period than just the World Cup. At this time, he was, in my view, the world’s best bowler. It’s a significant loss for Pakistan, and we hope he recovers swiftly.”
With Naseem Shah’s absence, Pakistan’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi. He will receive support from Haris Rauf, Mohammed Waseem, and Hasan Ali in a squad that remains largely unchanged, led by Captain Babar Azam.
The 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2023 includes:
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Shadab Khan
- Abdullah Shafique
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Salman Ali Agha
- Saud Shakeel
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Usama Mir
Pakistan will be eager to field their strongest lineup and make a mark in the upcoming ICC World Cup despite the absence of Naseem Shah, one of their key assets in the bowling department.
