Pakistan have been dealt a hammer blow ahead of the 2023 World Cup as one of their certain starters in the playing XI could be out injured from the marquee event. Naseem Shah, a mainstay of their attack, has suffered a serious shoulder injury and his participation in the entire tournament from October 5 to November 19 is in serious jeopardy.
A statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board read: “The Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical team has been monitoring the status of Naseem Shah’s shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023. Medical consultations with experts are underway to provide the best possible care to Naseem. The PCB medical panel will decide on the fast bowler’s return to cricket based on further assessments.”
Naseem has played 17 Tests, 14 ODIs, and 19 T20Is, grabbing eyeballs with his express pace and lethality. His reports will be sent to the United Kingdom for advice, according to Cricbuzz. The team management will then take a call, but the chances of his participation in the showpiece event look bleak at this stage.
Pakistan are scheduled to leave for India on September 25 and reach Hyderabad two days later, traveling to India via Dubai. They will begin their campaign on October 6 against the Netherlands. Their blockbuster clash against India will be held in Ahmedabad on October 14.
BREAKING: Naseem Shah is likely to miss the ODI World Cup 🤕
Full story: https://t.co/vKju9U0zy4 pic.twitter.com/i6iTsXEZwp
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 16, 2023
