LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday said that pacer Naseem Shah has been advised to undergo surgery and will recover in three to four months.
The star fast-bowler suffered a shoulder injury during Asia Cup 2023 in a match against India on September 11 and was ruled out of the tournament.
“Following thorough medical examinations and consultations with leading medical experts, Naseem has been advised to undergo surgery,” the board said in a statement released today announcing the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023.
He has been replaced with Hasan Ali in the 15-member squad.
"Naseem Shah is a key bowler for us, but he's injured," PCB chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq told reporters in Lahore today.
"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. We hope he's fit soon."
Pakistan's pace attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and he will be supported by Haris Rauf, Mohammed Waseem, and Ali in a largely unchanged side led by Babar Azam.
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usama Mir.
Visitors will play two matches, part of ICC Test Championship, against national side in Multan
Visitors expected to land in Islamabad on January 6, and after practice match, will depart for Multan
Lahore Qalandars to make first pick in platinum category during player draft event to be held on Jan 11, 2025
Cricketing body notifies ICC of decision made after chairman met with UAE's president
Opening batter becomes first in ODI cricket history to get out on ducks in all games of a series
Sufiyan Muqeem, Saim Ayub starred with ball, while Shaneen and Naseem claimed two wickets each
