Pakistan World Cup squad: Hasan Ali replaces injured Naseem Shah in 15-member squad

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury and Hasan Ali has been added to the final 15-member squad on Friday. The tournament starts on 5 October and will be played in India. The 20-year-old Naseem suffered a shoulder injury in the Super 4 match against India in the Asia Cup 2023. He has now been advised to undergo surgery. Chief Selector Inzamam ul Haq confirmed the change in a press release. “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,” Inzamam said in a release. “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. “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 start their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 6 October and will also be playing two warm-up matches against New Zealand and Australia on 29 September and 3 October respectively. Pakistan’s Cricket World Cup squad: Babar Azam (Caps), Shadab Khan (V.Capt), Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Wasim Junior, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Osama Mir. Travelling Reserves: Muhammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan.