Naseem Shah ruled out of World Cup due to injury

Karachi: Barring a significant setback in the form of losing Naseem Shah to injury, Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 was largely on the expected lines.

Naseem’s unavailability is a big loss for the Men in Green. The pacer injured himself during his team’s Super Four encounter against India in the Asia Cup, and is set to miss plenty of action in the upcoming months. He has been replaced by Hasan Ali.

The batters in the side include skipper Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammed Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammed Haris, Salman Agha and Saud Shakeel.

Shadab Khan and Mohammed Nawaz are the all-round spinners. Usama Mir is another spin option. The pace attack comprises Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan and Mohammed Waseem.

We take a look at the key takeaways from the squad that was announced on September 22, 2023.

Despite the poor run of certain players in the recently concluded Asia Cup, Pakistan selectors have steered away from making any radical changes. Shadab (six wickets at 40.83 in the Asia Cup) and Nawaz (one wicket at 94 in the Asia Cup) remain Pakistan’s preferred spin options.

Besides Naseem, other Pakistan pacers have injury concerns as well, including Mohammed Hasnain and Ihsanullah. This has brought down the available options before the Pakistan management.

Pakistan squad:
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 Jr.