The 20-year-old fast bowler sustained an injury to his shoulder during a crucial match between Pakistan and their arch-rival India in the Asia Cup. This recent setback has raised concerns about Naseem Shah‘s ability to participate in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to take place in India next month. Shah had to leave the field during the 46th over of India’s innings due to a right shoulder muscle injury.
During Pakistan’s second match against India at the Asia Cup last week, Naseem had to leave the field in the middle of the 46th over on the reserve day designated for the game. Subsequently, he was declared unfit for the remainder of the tournament.
Although a prominent cricket website suggested that he might miss the World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not provide detailed information about his condition in their official statement.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical team has been monitoring the status of Naseem Shah’s shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023. Medical consultations with the experts are underway to provide the best possible care to Naseem,”
“The PCB medical panel will decide on the fast bowler’s return to cricket based on further assessments.”
Nevertheless, as reported by ESPNCricinfo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has examined the scans conducted in Dubai, and the results suggest that he might face an extended absence from the game.
Moreover, considering that Pakistan is scheduled to engage in three Test matches in Australia in December, Naseem Shah’s involvement in those matches seems uncertain at the moment.
The PCB is currently awaiting the outcome of a follow-up scan, which is expected to be available in the upcoming days.
Despite Shah being replaced by Zaman Khan during the Asia Cup, Pakistan did not manage to secure a spot in the final match.
Naseem’s unavailability for the World Cup and the upcoming series in Australia will be a significant setback for Pakistan. In the past year, Naseem has evolved from being primarily known for red-ball cricket to becoming a bowler capable of performing well in all formats for Pakistan. His current form places him at the top among Pakistan’s highly-regarded trio of fast bowlers, which includes Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
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