Pakistan Omitted Naseem Shah Due to Injury in World Cup Squad Announcement

Pakistan faced a significant setback as young fast bowler Naseem Shah’s injury led to his exclusion from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad, unveiled on Friday 22 September.

Shah’s omission from the squad was prompted by an injury sustained during Pakistan’s Super Four match against India in the Asia Cup, sidelining him for a considerable period.

Despite Shah’s absence, Pakistan is relying on their experienced players to bolster their chances for the upcoming tournament, aiming for their second Cricket World Cup title.

While Babar Azam leads the squad, showcasing his exceptional batting skills alongside Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammed Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Salman Agha, there’s also an infusion of promising talent such as Mohammed Haris and Saud Shakeel. Haris notably captained Pakistan ‘Shaheens’ during their successful Emerging Asia Cup 2023 campaign, while Shakeel has exhibited his prowess in Test cricket.

The team’s spin-bowling department is fortified by all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammed Nawaz, along with Salman Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed. Additionally, Usama Mir adds a leg-spin option to Pakistan’s arsenal.

Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheads the pace attack, supported by Haris Rauf, Mohammed Waseem, and Hasan Ali, who replaced the injured Naseem Shah in the squad.

Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup includes: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.

Despite their recent participation in the Asia Cup where they couldn’t advance to the final, Pakistan is gearing up with two warm-up matches against New Zealand and Australia ahead of their opening match against Netherlands on 6 October in Hyderabad.