The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced their squad for the upcoming ICC men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which will be held from 5 October to 19 November in India. Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the World Cup with a shoulder injury.
Hasan Ali made a return to the ODI squad as Naseem’s replacement.
” Following thorough medical examinations and consultations with leading medical experts, Naseem has been advised to undergo surgery. He is expected to recover in three to four months.” a PCB release on Friday (22) said.
Naseem had faced a shoulder injury during his team’s Super Four game against India in the Asia Cup.
Chief selector’s comments
“World Cup is the most important event in any cricketer’s life and I want to congratulate all the cricketers who have made it to the squad through their impressive performances. This team has performed wonderfully well over the last couple of years and that is why we have shown faith in the same bunch.” Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said.
“We were forced to make one change because of an unfortunate injury to Naseem Shah. We had a few injury scares in the recent Asia Cup, but I am glad to share that all the players are fully fit and are eager to perform for their country in the all-important tournament. I have received encouraging reports from our medical panel about Haris Rauf. He has started to (shadow) bowl at the National Cricket Academy and will be available for selection.
“I have a firm belief that this squad can bring the World Cup trophy to Pakistan and make the whole nation proud with their incredible performances. It is time to get behind our team and provide them with the backing and support that they need.”
Saud Shakeel, who was added to Pakistan’s squad in the Asia Cup, and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz retain their spots while Faheem Ashraf misses out.
The 1992 World Cup Champions will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 6 October.
Before the tournament they will play two warm-up games – against New Zealand on 29 September and Australia on 3 October.
Pakistan squad:
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usama Mir.
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