Pakistan has unveiled its 18-member squad, complete with three reserves, for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which is set to commence on October 5. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq revealed the squad during a press conference held on September 22.
Unfortunately, Pakistan faced a significant setback when Naseem Shah sustained a right shoulder injury during the 2023 Asia Cup, rendering him unavailable for the World Cup. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.
As a result, the responsibility of leading Pakistan’s pace attack will fall on the shoulders of Shaheen Shah Afridi. To compensate for Naseem Shah’s absence, Pakistan has made a crucial change to its ODI World Cup squad, with fast bowler Hasan Ali stepping in. The 20-year-old Naseem Shah is facing an extended period on the sidelines due to his shoulder injury.
Inzamam expressed his concern about Naseem Shah’s injury, describing him as “the world’s best bowler” at the time of his setback. He lamented the loss for the Pakistan team and extended his hopes for a swift recovery, saying, “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 emphasized that he had not made significant changes to the team’s composition, highlighting that the squad had been playing with the same combination for the past two years. He expressed the importance of maintaining consistency within the team and the challenges of introducing alterations within a short period.
Regarding the selection of Hasan Ali as Naseem Shah’s replacement, Inzamam underscored the significance of experience in high-stakes tournaments like the ODI World Cup.
He cited Hasan Ali’s track record in ICC events and his strong performances, particularly in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and various other encounters. Inzamam pointed out, “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.”
With the squad finalised, Pakistan is gearing up for the ODI World Cup 2023, hoping to make a strong impression on the global cricket stage. Get free cricket betting tips from Nextbet Sports.
Pakistan squad for ODI World Cup 2023:
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
