Reports indicate that Naseem Shah‘s shoulder injury will sideline him from the Pakistan cricket team even beyond the ODI World Cup. Pakistan unveiled its 18-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
While there was widespread anticipation for young pacer Naseem Shah’s inclusion, a shoulder injury sustained during fielding in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023 has officially ruled him out of the prestigious tournament.
In a silver lining for the Pakistani team, Hasan Ali, renowned for his fiery pace, has been named as Naseem’s replacement. The 20-year-old expressed his feelings about this unexpected development on his social media handle in an emotional post.
“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 will be on the field very soon.”
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 will be on the field very soon.
Thank you to all my fans for the prayers!
— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) September 22, 2023
Muhammad Haris replied to Naseem Shah’s tweet with a supportive message:
Stay strong dost ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SWSKscGpdq
— Muhammad Haris (@iamharis63) September 22, 2023
Unfortunate developments for the young Naseem Shah
The unfortunate injury to the Pakistani fast bowler happened during the Men in Green’s Asia Cup Super-Four match against arch-rivals India in Colombo. In this game, he had to leave the field before completing his 10th over.
After a medical evaluation, it was recommended that he undergo surgery, which will keep him out of action for around four months. Shaheen Shah Afridi will now lead Pakistan’s pace attack, supported by players like Haris Rauf, Mohammed Waseem, and Hasan Ali.
This decision maintains the core of the squad under the leadership of captain Babar Azam. In response to Naseem’s injury, Pakistan’s Chief Selector, Inzamam Ul Haq, expressed his disappointment, stating,
“Naseem Shah is a key bowler for us, but he’s injured, Unfortunately, the report we have from our doctors, we hear Naseem will be out for a longer time than just the World Cup. At this time, he was the world’s best bowler in my view. It’s a loss for Pakistan. We hope he’s fit soon.”
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