In a significant development for Pakistan’s Men’s ODI World Cup campaign, fast bowler Hasan Ali has been added to the 15-member squad. This move comes as a replacement for the injured pacer, Naseem Shah, as announced by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. Hasan Ali, who last participated in an ODI back in June 2022, is set to bolster Pakistan’s fast-bowling arsenal for the highly anticipated tournament.
The Pakistan ODI World Cup squad now boasts a formidable fast-bowling lineup, featuring the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr, alongside Hasan Ali. Unfortunately, Naseem Shah won’t be able to take part in the tournament due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup’s Super Four match against India. Extensive medical evaluations and consultations with leading experts have led to the recommendation of surgery for Naseem, with an estimated recovery period of three to four months.
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Inzamam-ul-Haq expressed the need for this change, stating, “We were forced to make one change because of an unfortunate injury to Naseem Shah. We had a few injury scares in the recent Asia Cup, but I am glad to share that all the players are fully fit and are eager to perform for their country in the all-important tournament.”
Furthermore, Inzamam shared positive news regarding Haris Rauf‘s recovery, revealing, “I have received encouraging reports from our medical panel about Haris Rauf. He has started to (shadow) bowl at the National Cricket Academy and will be available for selection.”
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Pakistan’s spin attack will see the inclusion of leg-spinner Usama Mir, joining vice-captain Shadab Khan and left-arm spin all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz. However, there is no place for pace all-rounder Faheem Ashraf in the squad. The team has also named three traveling reserves: wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, and fast bowler Zaman Khan.
Pakistan enters the ODI World Cup as the top-ranked side, despite finishing at the bottom of the Super Four stage in the Asia Cup. Under the leadership of Babar Azam, the team boasts the best win/loss ratio (2.400) in the ongoing World Cup cycle among all 50-over format sides.
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Inzamam expressed his confidence in the squad, saying, “This team has performed wonderfully well over the last couple of years, and that is why we have shown faith in the same bunch. I have a firm belief that this squad can bring the World Cup trophy to Pakistan and make the whole nation proud with their incredible performances. It is time to get behind our team and provide them with the backing and support that they need.”
Pakistan’s journey in the ODI World Cup will kick off with two warm-up matches, first against New Zealand on September 29, followed by a clash with Australia on October 3. Their tournament opener is scheduled against the Netherlands on October 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Pakistan has a rich history in the World Cup, having been crowned champions in the 1992 edition and finishing as runners-up in 1999. The team has also reached the semi-finals in 1979, 1983, 1987, and 2011.
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