The Pakistan cricket team for the 2023 World Cup in India has been unveiled, with Hasan Ali stepping in for the injured Naseem Shah. Babar Azam remains the team’s captain, while Shadab Khan continues as vice-captain. The decision to include Hasan Ali was attributed to Naseem Shah’s ongoing fitness struggles. The lone wicketkeeper in the squad is Mohammad Rizwan.
During a press conference in Lahore, Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq explained that the selection among fast bowlers was limited. Hasan Ali’s strong performance in the Lincoln League and his team-oriented approach were cited as reasons for his inclusion, adding vitality to the squad. Inzamam-ul-Haq noted that Hasan Ali had sustained a finger injury while being considered for the Asia Cup team. While other fast bowlers like Ehsanullah and Muhammad Hasnain faced fitness issues, the selectors opted to maintain the existing team combination, which had been in place for six months.
Inzamam-ul-Haq acknowledged that Naseem Shah’s absence was a significant setback, as he is currently regarded as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. Reports suggested that Naseem Shah might not recover in time to participate in the World Cup.
The 15-member national team includes Captain Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafiq, wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Osama Mir, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali. Mohammad Haris, Zaman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed are named as reserve players.
It is worth noting that Pakistan’s first warm-up match is scheduled against New Zealand on September 29.