The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Friday that star pacer Naseem Shah has been advised to undergo surgery and will recover in three to four months, missing ICC World Cup 2023.
Naseem was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 after suffering a shoulder injury against India on September 11.
“Following thorough medical examinations and consultations with leading medical experts, Naseem Shah has been advised to undergo surgery,” the board said in a statement announcing the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023, released today.
Also read: PCB announces squad for World Cup 2023: Check all players
In the 15-man squad, he has been replaced by Hasan Ali.
“Naseem Shah is a key bowler for us, but he’s injured,” PCB chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq told reporters in Lahore today.
“Unfortunately, the report we have from our doctors, we hear Naseem will be out for a longer time than just the World Cup. At this time, he was the world’s best bowler in my view. It’s a loss for Pakistan. We hope he’s fit soon.”
In a largely unchanged side led by Babar Azam, Pakistan’s pace attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who will be supported by Haris Rauf, Mohammed Waseem, and Ali.
Squad
he 15-person squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 has finally been announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Pakistan’s squad was unexpectedly delayed as the team management held meetings in the wake of a humiliating exit from the Asia Cup and injuries to key bowlers during the competition.
Inzamam-ul-Haq, the head selector, unveiled the team at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usama Mir.
