Naseem Shah Likely To Be Ruled Out Of World Cup 2023 Due To Shoulder Injury: The top pace bowler for Pakistan Cricket, Naseem Shah, is set to miss the entirety of the highly anticipated tournament owing to a shoulder injury he suffered during the IND vs PAK Super 4s Match (Asia Cup 2023), which has brought a setback to the team’s preparations for the ICC World Cup 2023.
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Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in a last-ball thriller by two wickets to get to their 11th Asia Cup final amid the absence of hurt pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Following Pakistan’s elimination from the Asia Cup 2023 on Thursday, Babar Azam made a clue about the next development at the post-match news conference.
Naseem Shah got injured in IND vs PAK
During the India vs Pakistan battle at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, while bowling his 10th over (46th over) Naseem Shah left the ground as he had some issues with his shoulder. He didn’t even complete his over and quickly went for scans.
Naseem was the only bowler who was able to offer some resistance to the Indian top order in the game. His economy was less than 6 and his absence negatively affected Pakistan’s bowling in the virtual semifinals against Sri Lanka.
Haris Rauf also went through back strain in the same match but Babar and the PCB are pretty confident about his recovery till the upcoming main event.
Scan Reports and World Cup Route of Naseem Shah
Pakistan Cricket Board first revealed that the reports of the initial scans were not scary and he would recover soon. But the recent reports say that it is worse than what was suspected before.
According to a report published by ESPNcricinfo, the PCB is reportedly seeking a second opinion, although scans from tests in Dubai seem to indicate the injury may prevent him from playing for the whole of the year.
As per ESPN, he might miss the series against Australia which is scheduled for the end of 2023. He could also miss the next Pakistan Super League in 2024.
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What PCB Updated
PCB released a statement on his recovery. The statement reads, “The Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical team has been monitoring the status of Naseem Shah’s shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023.“
“Medical consultations with the experts are underway to provide the best possible care to Naseem. The PCB medical panel will decide on the fast bowler’s return to cricket based on further assessments.“
Impact of Naseem’s Absence
If all the above reports are considered to be true then it is definitely a huge blow for Pakistan just ahead of the World Cup 2023 in India. He is one of the three workhorses of the Pakistani bowling arsenal and the team as well as the team’s campaign will feel his absence.
Naseem has transformed over the past year from a red-ball specialist to a versatile all-format bowler for Pakistan, and with his current form, he is the finest of the world-famous trio, which also includes Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Naseem Shah has some eye-catching figures in his young ODI career of 14 matches. He has picked up 32 wickets and that too with the strike rate of less than 22. His bowling economy is 4.69 averaging just below 17 and these numbers are just steller.
In a few days, when the reports of his secondary scans are available, the PCB is anticipated to make a formal decision. Zaman Khan replaced him in the Asia Cup, while Mohammad Hasnain, another probable replacement, has since been injured.
For more details head to ICC’s official website