Pakistan replace Naseem Shah with Hasan Ali for World Cup

Naseem suffered a shoulder injury in the Asia Cup defeat by India earlier in September and is expected to undergo surgery that will keep him out for between three and four months

Nick Friend | 22/09/2023 at 12:18

Naseem Shah is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being ruled out of next month's World Cup.

The fast bowler suffered a shoulder injury in the Asia Cup defeat by India earlier in September and is expected to undergo surgery that will keep him out for between three and four months.

He has effectively been replaced in Pakistan's World Cup squad by fellow seamer Hasan Ali.

"We were forced to make one change because of an unfortunate injury to Naseem Shah," said Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan's chief selector.

"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."

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^{Hasan Ali is in Pakistan's World Cup squad (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)}

He also confirmed that he had heard "encouraging reports" on the fitness of Haris Rauf, who also suffered an injury in the loss against India.

"He has started to (shadow) bowl at the National Cricket Academy and will be available for selection," said Inzamam.

"When Naseem was ruled out, we needed someone who could bowl with the new ball. [Hasan Ali] bowls well with both old and new ball, and is a team man. His presence lends energy to the team." Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shaheen Shah Afridi are also named as seam options in the 15-man squad, which is captained by Babar Azam. Fast bowler Zaman Khan, who featured in the Asia Cup, is a travelling reserve.