Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India. While there were already reports suggesting Naseem Shah could be ruled out of the tournament, the same has been confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who have roped in Hasan Ali as his replacement. The team has also picked three players as travelling reserves other than the 15-member contingent led by Babar Azam.
It is pertinent to note that Naseem had left the field midway through his over during the Super Four match of Asia Cup 2023 against India on September 11. While he had initially only been ruled out of the continental tournaments, medical examinations and consultations have suggested that the right-arm pacer should undergo surgery, essentially ruling him out for three to four months.
Pakistan Chief selector and former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq congratulated each of the 15 players who were selected for the World Cup and recognized the event as the most important one in a cricketer's life.
"World Cup is the most important event in any cricketer’s life and I want to congratulate all the cricketers who have made it to the squad through their impressive performances. This team has performed wonderfully well over the last couple of years and that is why we have shown faith in the same bunch," he said as quoted in an official release.
"We were forced to make one change because of an unfortunate injury to Naseem Shah. We had a few injury scares in the recent Asia Cup, but I am glad to share that all the players are fully fit and are eager to perform for their country in the all-important tournament. I have received encouraging reports from our medical panel about Haris Rauf. He has started to (shadow) bowl at the National Cricket Academy and will be available for selection," he added.
The Men in Green will begin their World Cup campaign with a match against Netherlands on October 6. Prior to that, they have to play two warm-up games against New Zealand on September 29 and Australia on October 3.
Squad:
Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), 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