In a massive blow to Pakistan ahead of their do-or-die Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka on Thursday, pacer Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup due to a shoulder injury.
Right-arm fast bowler Zaman Khan has replaced Naseem in the ongoing tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday.
Notably, Naseem had injured his right shoulder during the highly-anticipated Super 4 match against India.
The PCB said that Naseem will continue to be monitored by the team’s medical panel with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 just round the corner.
Zaman Khan has represented Pakistan only in the T20I format and in games for the national team, he has picked four wickets at an average of 32.5 and with an economy of 6.66.
Earlier, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan had lost the match against arch-rivals India by 228 runs as wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav created havoc with the ball, picking five wickets to help the Men In Blue register a historic victory in Colombo.
On the other hand, Haris Rauf, who did not bowl on the reserve day of the clash against India as a precautionary measure, continues to recover after he felt discomfort in his right flank on the first day of the match. Pakistan team doctor Sohail Saleem said: “These two fast bowlers are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup.”