After the exhilarating conclusion of the Asia Cup 2023, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the upcoming International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, set to commence next month. While fans are gearing up for a thrilling tournament, the Pakistani cricket team faces significant concerns following their inability to reach the Asia Cup final.
Pakistani fans were left somewhat disappointed by their national side’s performance in the Asia Cup, where they narrowly missed out on a spot in the final. Nevertheless, the cricket world’s attention is now firmly fixed on the world’s number one ODI team as they prepare to participate in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
However, Pakistan’s prospects in the tournament are overshadowed by injury woes, particularly in their bowling department, which plays a crucial role in their performance. Two key members of the national side’s bowling attack are nursing injuries, raising doubts about their availability for the World Cup.
One of these injured players is Naseem Shah, who was sidelined during the Asia Cup due to an injury to his right shoulder sustained during the Super 4 match against India. The medical panel has advised Naseem to rest before the World Cup, but there is uncertainty regarding his participation.
Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, acknowledged the possibility of Naseem Shah missing some matches during the highly anticipated cricket event, which is scheduled to take place in India, beginning on October 5.
In addition to Naseem Shah’s injury, fast bowler Haris Rauf is also facing fitness concerns. He was not allowed to bowl against India as a precaution on the reserve day due to a side strain. However, there is hope that he is recovering and might be available for the World Cup.
Babar Azam, while addressing the media during a post-match press conference, expressed optimism about both players’ recovery but remained cautious about revealing backup plans for the duo. He stated, “I’ll tell you later. Not telling you our Plan B now.”
Currently, Naseem Shah is in Dubai undergoing scans for the muscle injury below his right shoulder, with the hope of a swift recovery. In the meantime, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called up Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani as backup options for Naseem and Haris.
The disappointment of Pakistani fans was compounded by Sri Lanka’s victory over Pakistan by two wickets in a virtual semi-final of the Asia Cup 2023 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Kusal Mendis’ impressive 91 and an unbeaten 49 by Charith Asalanka secured a thrilling win for Sri Lanka, dashing hopes of an India-Pakistan final in the event, which would have served as a prelude to the ODI World Cup.
The final of the Asia Cup 2023 will now see Sri Lanka facing India on Sunday, September 17, in Colombo, promising another exciting encounter for cricket fans.
Cricket enthusiasts around the world are now eagerly awaiting updates on the fitness and availability of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf as Pakistan prepares for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with high hopes and mounting concerns.
