Pakistan announce 15-member squad for World Cup 2023
Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad, including three reserves, who would travel to India for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled to start from October 5. Pakistan’s chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq named the squad in a press conference on September 22.
Pakistan faced a big blow in the form of Naseem Shah’s unavailability. The young pacer injured his right shoulder in the 2023 Asia Cup. Pakistan’s pace attack is set to be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Pakistan has made a crucial change to their ODI World Cup squad. Fast bowler Hasan Ali steps in to replace the Naseem Shah. The 20-year-old, who has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury, is facing a lengthy layoff.
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam expressed his concern, acknowledging him as “the world’s best bowler” at the time of his injury. He lamented the loss for the Pakistan team, while also extending his wishes for a swift recovery.
“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 and we hope he’s fit soon.”
Inzamam also highlighted the fact that he has not maneuvered much when it comes to the team selection and has only made changes due to unfortunate incidents that came in his way prior to the selection process went underway. Stressing on the same he stated,
“I have not made any such changes. The team has been playing with this combination for the last two years and if I tried to disrupt the team within three weeks of my appointment that would not be okay.”
Hasan Ali makes a comeback to the Pakistan setup
Inzamam highlighted the importance of Hasan Ali’s experience in high-stakes tournaments like the ODI World Cup. He emphasized Hasan Ali’s track record in ICC events and his impressive performances, particularly in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and various other encounters.
“In the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, my first choice was Hasan Ali to replace one of the injured pacers. Unfortunately, he wasn’t cleared by doctors owing to his finger injury. That’s how Zaman came in.” He further added, “He is an experienced bowler who has played big mega events for Pakistan and performed well in them. And when Naseem was ruled out, we needed someone who could bowl with the new ball. He bowls well with both old and new ball, and is a team man. His presence lends energy to the team,” he said.
Pakistan squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan (vc), Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali
Reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan
