Dejected Naseem Shah reacts after being ruled out of ICC World Cup 2023

He suffered a shoulder injury

By Web Desk
September 22, 2023
Naseem Shah was a key member of Pakistan team. - AFP

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah was left dejected after missing ICC World Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury.

Naseem took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his disappointment.

“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,” Naseem said.

“Thank you to all my fans for the prayers,” he added. 

Hasan Ali has replaced the injured Naseem in Pakistan’s squad. Naseen suffered a shoulder injury at the Asia Cup 2023 and is expected to stay on the sidelines for a long period of time.

“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.

Ali last played an ODI match for Pakistan in 2022 against West Indies in Multan.  

The squad will be led by prolific batter Babar Azam.

Pakistan made two changes to the squad which played in the Asia Cup 2023 with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf excluded and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris dropping down to reserves.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

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

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

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