NEWS
Follow UsWhen Pakistan’s premier pacer, Naseem Shah, walked off holding his shoulder, it wasn’t a pleasing sight to watch. While the extent of the injury was unknown then, ESPNCricinfo has revealed that the 20-year-old pacer could miss the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup entirely.
According to the reports, the pacer had a scan in Dubai, which has ruled him out of action for the rest of the year, coming as a big blow to Pakistan’s chances of winning the ODI title in India. In addition, the pacer is also in doubt for Pakistan’s tour to Australia and even the Pakistan Super League (PSL) that follows.
Over the past two years, Naseem has emerged as an all-format asset for the national team after bursting through in the game's longest format. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are set to assess the condition and are expected to announce the replacement afterwards. Zaman Khan, who replaced him at the Asia Cup, is likely to be an outside option to make it to the squad for the World Cup.
Alongside Zaman, Pakistan could also ponder bringing the experienced campaigner Shahnawaz Dahani as a replacement for the 20-year-old. In all likelihood, Haris Rauf, who didn’t play in the virtual semi-final against Sri Lanka, is set to regain fitness before the showpiece event in India.
Pakistan open their World Cup campaign on October 6 against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
