Naseem Shah Ruled Out of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

The young pace sensation sustained a shoulder injury on the reserve day of the rain-hit Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours match against India, adding him to the list of players under injury clouds ahead of the global event.

The 20-year-old made clear his sadness on X (formerly Twitter). However, he wished his teammates luck ahead of their World Cup campaign.

“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 said. 

“Naseem Shah unfortunately got injured and he’s our main bowler. Hasnain had an ankle operation. lhsanullah had an elbow operation. We had few options left among fast bowlers due to injuries,” chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said in a press conference on Friday while announcing the squad.

“Hasan Ali bowled well in the LPL and elsewhere recently. He is experienced and has played well for Pakistan previously in big events. Once Naseem Shah was ruled out, we also needed a bowler who could bowl with the new ball, and I think Hasan Ali is a great choice. He bowls well with the old ball too and is a team man as well. He brings energy into the team,” he added.

Pakistan has also brought in an extra leg-spinner in Usama Mir, who made his ODI debut earlier this year against New Zealand but was not part of the Asia Cup squad. Naseem Shah Ruled Out of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. make up the remainder of Pakistan’s pace attack, while Mohammad Haris is among the reserves. Spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz also keeps his place in the side, while Faheem Ashraf misses out.

Team Pakistan 15-players Squad for CWC23: 

The squad mixes seasoned players and promising talents who have performed outstandingly in recent matches. Pakistan boasts a strong lineup, with several key players expected to impact the team’s performance significantly. Here is the 15-member squad that will undoubtedly impact their team performance in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023:

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shahfique, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(wk), Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Travelling Reserves: Mohammad Haris(wk), Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan.

Pakistan Cricket Team World Cup Campaign:

The ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 commences on Thursday, October 5, with the event culminating in the final on Sunday, November 19. Reports in Pakistan claim that Babar Azam and Co will depart for Hyderabad on September 25 to begin their World Cup with a warm-up match behind closed doors against New Zealand on September 29, followed by another against Australia on October 3. Their first game of the tournament is against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad. They will play against their arch-rivals India in a much-awaited contest on October 14 in Ahmedabad.

Conclusion:

With a blend of youth and experience, Pakistan could be a dangerous team in the World Cup. Led by Babar Azam, their batting lineup consists of talented players like Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan is known for its fast attacking pacers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Spinners Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz can contribute significantly with both bat and ball. Pakistan’s strengths are their talented batting lineup, lethal bowling attack, and strong team spirit.