Shruti Suman
On Friday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed their lineup for the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup. While many familiar names made the cut, there were a couple of unexpected twists. Fast bowler Naseem Shah, who sustained an injury during the recently concluded Asia Cup, was notably absent from Pakistan’s Cricket World Cup squad. However, the seasoned pacer Hasan Ali has successfully returned to the World Cup roster. Babar Azam will captain the Pakistan cricket team in the Cricket World Cup, with Shadab Khan serving as his vice-captain.
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Chief Selector Inzamam ul Haq explained that Hasan Ali’s inclusion was due to Naseem Shah’s injury. Naseem, aged 20, suffered a shoulder injury during a match against India in the Asia Cup. He has been also advised to undergo surgery and is expected to recover within 3-4 months.
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Inzamam also introduced three reserve players who will travel with the team to the World Cup: wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris, enigmatic spinner Abrar Ahmed, and fast bowler Zaman Khan. These reserves will be considered in case of any injuries within the squad.
“We were compelled to make one change due to the unfortunate injury to Naseem Shah. While we had a few injury concerns during the recent Asia Cup, I’m pleased to report that all players are fully fit and enthusiastic to represent their country in this crucial tournament,” Inzamam stated in a press release.
“I’ve received promising updates from our medical panel regarding Haris Rauf. He has begun shadow bowling at the National Cricket Academy and will be available for selection.
“I firmly believe that this squad has the potential to bring the World Cup trophy back to Pakistan and fill the nation with pride through their outstanding performances. It’s time to rally behind our team and provide them with the support they need.” Pakistan will play two warm-up matches against New Zealand on September 29 and Australia on October 3 before their first tournament match against the Netherlands on October 6.
Pakistan’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 Squad:
Captain: Babar Azam
Vice-Captain: Shadab Khan
Team Members: Fakhar Zaman, Imam Ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Traveling Reserves: Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Haris
Khushi Sikarwar
