Pakistan ODI World Cup squad has undergone a significant reshuffle. The cricketing fraternity was rocked by the news of Naseem Shah’s unfortunate injury, which has sidelined him for an extended period. To fill this void and bolster the team’s chances, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a strategic move by drafting Hasan Ali.
Pakistan World Cup Squad Suffer Unfortunate Blow
Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s ace fast bowler, suffered a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup, which left fans and cricket pundits in despair. The injury’s severity became evident as it ruled Naseem out not only for the World Cup but also for a more extended period, casting a shadow over his future appearances. Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s chief selector, lamented this loss, stating that Naseem was arguably the world’s best bowler at the time.
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In the quest to find a suitable replacement for Naseem Shah, the spotlight turned to Hasan Ali. Hasan’s credentials as an experienced bowler with a knack for delivering under pressure made him a compelling choice. His impressive performance in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and other notable events for Pakistan did not go unnoticed. What makes Hasan Ali an invaluable asset is his ability to perform well with both the new and old ball, a quality essential for any top-tier fast bowler.
While Pakistan’s pace attack is now fortified with Hasan Ali’s return, the team has not neglected its spin department. Mohammad Nawaz, the spin-bowling all-rounder, retains his spot in the squad. Additionally, the squad has seen the introduction of Usama Mir, a leg-spinner who made his ODI debut earlier this year against New Zealand. His inclusion adds a layer of versatility to Pakistan’s bowling arsenal.
Pakistan Reserve Players for World Cup
In any World Cup campaign, having capable reserves is essential. Another promising talent, Mohammad Haris, stands among the reserves, prepared to step in if the need arises. Unfortunately, Faheem Ashraf has missed out on this opportunity, showcasing the fierce competition for spots in the national squad.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Pakistan faces a series of warm-up matches against New Zealand and Australia. These encounters will provide a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and assess their preparedness for the tournament. The first game of their World Cup campaign is scheduled against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad.
Pakistan ODI World Cup Squad: Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali.