In the lead-up to the ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan’s cricket enthusiasts are anxiously awaiting the return of fast bowler Naseem Shah.
However, uncertainty looms over his participation, as team captain Babar Azam dropped hints during a press conference following Pakistan’s thrilling encounter with Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match on September 15.
Babar Azam, while addressing the media, shed light on the conditions of two crucial team members. He shared, “Haris Rauf’s injury is on the mend and not of grave concern; he’s expected to recover in time for the World Cup. As for Naseem Shah, we may have to endure a few matches without him due to his injury. We remain hopeful that he’ll make a comeback later in the tournament, but we’ll have to wait for further updates.”
Pakistan’s dramatic Super 4 clash with Sri Lanka concluded in a nail-biting victory for the home side, paving the way for a final showdown against India on September 17. The match witnessed a stellar performance from Asalanka, who steered Sri Lanka to a formidable target of 252 runs.
Naseem Shah’s journey in the Asia Cup took an abrupt turn when he sustained a right shoulder injury during the Super 4 match against India. Medical experts have recommended rest and recovery before the World Cup, creating uncertainty around his participation in the prestigious event.
With the ICC World Cup just around the corner, scheduled to kick off in India next month, concerns naturally arise about Pakistan’s contingency plans, especially with fast bowler Haris Rauf also nursing a side strain. However, Babar Azam kept mum on revealing any backup strategies, stating, “I will disclose our Plan B at a later time.”
Presently, Naseem Shah is in Dubai, undergoing scans to gauge the extent of the muscle injury beneath his right shoulder. In response to these setbacks, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken proactive steps by enlisting Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani as stand-in options for Naseem and Haris, ensuring that the team is well-prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
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