WATCH: Haris Rauf starts recovery ahead of World Cup
The 29-year-old experienced fitness problems during Asia Cup Super 4 stage match against India
LAHORE: Great news for Pakistan men's cricket team and fans as fast bowler Haris Rauf began bowling again at the National Cricket Academy, where his progress was closely monitored by the medical panel
The 29-year-old, who experienced fitness problems during the Super Four stage match against India in the Asia Cup 2023, had been battling pain in his ribs.
Following the injury, he was unable to participate in the final Super 4 game against Sri Lanka, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming World Cup in India.
However, Haris is now in the recovery phase and has been declared fit for selection. After a thorough review of his bowling and overall physical condition, it has been confirmed that Haris Rauf has sufficiently recovered and is fit to represent Pakistan at the World Cup.
This announcement brings relief and excitement to cricket fans across Pakistan, as Rauf's pace and skill will be a valuable asset to the national team in their quest for success in the upcoming World Cup.
On the other hand, pacer Naseem Shah could miss the entire upcoming World Cup due to a shoulder injury.
Naseem Shah sustained the injury during the match against India at the 2023 Asia Cup. The injury to Naseem Shah’s right shoulder is worse than what was initially suspected and the speedster could remain on the sidelines till the Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year.
Pakistan Cricket Board's medical team is monitoring the status of Naseem Shah’s shoulder injury and 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.
For the remainder of Asia Cup 2023, Naseem Shah was replaced by Zaman Khan, however, it is still unsure who will take Naseem's place in the upcoming World Cup in India.
Remember, the poor performance of the Pakistan cricket team in the Asia Cup 2023 has made it difficult for selectors to name a 15-man squad for the much-anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
The subpar display by several players has raised difficulties for Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and Captain Babar Azam as both now believe that the changes in the squad are necessary.
While the two are busy finalising the squad for the mega event, the Team’s Director Mickey Arthur remains engaged in county cricket in England and is nowhere to be seen in this entire selection process.
The squad announcement is expected in the upcoming days.
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