Ace Pakistan fast-bowler Naseem Shah will be undergoing surgery and is likely to recover in three to four months, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday.
Notably, Naseem had suffered a shoulder injury during the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023 in a match against arch-rivals India on September 11 and was later ruled out of the continental tournament.
“Following thorough medical examinations and consultations with leading medical experts, Naseem has been advised to undergo surgery,” the PCB said in a statement while announcing the 15-member Pakistan squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled to be played in India from October 15.
The PCB, earlier on Friday, had announced pacer Hasan Ali as Naseem’s replacement in the 15-member Pakistan 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,” he added.
In the upcoming showpiece event, Pakistan’s pace attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who will be backed by Haris Rauf, Mohammed Waseem and Ali in the side led by star batter Babar Azam.
As per the schedule, Pakistan will take on Netherlands in their campaign opener on October 6 in Hyderabad before facing 1996 champions Sri Lanka on October 10 at the same venue.