Pakistan has been dealt a significant setback as fast bowler Naseem Shah’s injury forced his exclusion from their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad, which was announced on Friday, September 22nd.
Pakistan, who will be vying for their second Cricket World Cup title, will now have to enter the tournament without the services of this talented speedster.
In place of Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali has been named in the squad. Shah sustained his injury during Pakistan’s Super Four encounter against India in the Asia Cup. Unfortunately, he is expected to miss a substantial amount of cricket action in the upcoming months.
The loss of Naseem Shah is a significant blow to the Pakistan side, given his ability to make the ball move sharply. Furthermore, he boasts an exceptional ODI record, having taken 32 wickets at an impressive average of 16.96, with two five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket.
However, despite this setback, Pakistan’s squad still features enough experienced players to bolster their chances of clinching the title.
Supporting captain Babar Azam on the batting front are the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Salman Ali Agha. Additionally, the squad includes the promising young duo of Mohammad Haris and middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel.
Haris successfully led Pakistan ‘Shaheens’ in the Emerging Asia Cup 2023, while Shakeel showcased his talent in Test cricket.
Pakistan also has two spin-bowling all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, and Salman Ali Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed are also available as spin-bowling all-rounders. Usama Mir provides another leg-spin option for the Pakistan side should the need arise.
Pakistan’s renowned pace attack will be spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with support from Haris Rauf, Mohammad Waseem, and Hasan Ali.
The Pakistan squad for the upcoming World Cup includes:
- Babar Azam (c)
- Shadab Khan
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Abdullah Shafique
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Saud Shakeel
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Salman Ali Agha
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Usama Mir
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Shaheen Afridi
- Mohammad Wasim
Pakistan recently participated in the Asia Cup but fell short of making it to the final. As part of their preparations for the Cricket World Cup, Pakistan will play two warm-up matches, one against New Zealand and another against Australia.
They will kick off their tournament campaign on October 6th, facing the Netherlands in Hyderabad.
for more: ICC