In a much-anticipated announcement, Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq unveiled Pakistan’s 18-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, set to be hosted by arch-rivals India. The revelation, made on a Friday, brought both excitement and intrigue to cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Notably, the squad includes the return of bowler Hasan Ali, who replaces the star bowler Naseem Shah. Shah, whose unfortunate injury occurred during the Asia Cup, finds himself on the sidelines, unable to participate in this grand event.
Pakistan’s first match in this high-stakes tournament is scheduled for October 6th against Netherlands, and it will unfold at the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in the Indian city of Hyderabad.
The Asia Cup had left Pakistan with a bitter taste of defeat, with losses to India and Sri Lanka, ultimately paving the way for India to clinch the title. In the aftermath of that event, the inclusion of Hasan Ali comes as a strategic move, considering his ability to shine with the new ball.
Inzamam emphasized Ali’s experience as a pivotal factor behind his selection, asserting that the medium-paced bowler’s presence would infuse energy into the team.
Regrettably, Shah’s injury appears to be more severe than anticipated, as reports received by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicate his absence from the World Cup and potentially beyond, rendering his selection impossible.
Inzamam clarified that the team’s composition remains largely unchanged, underlining his commitment to consistency in the squad. He defended this stance, stating that altering the team drastically within three weeks of his appointment would not be prudent.
The chief selector also stressed the importance of experienced players who can handle the immense pressure of such a prestigious event, citing Hasan Ali as a prime example. Importantly, he left the door open for other talented individuals to join the national team, emphasizing that performance in Pakistan’s domestic cricket circuit remains the primary criterion for selection.
Inzamam also raised questions about whether extended exposure to demanding conditions, including a test series, the Lankan Premier League, a series against Afghanistan, and Asia Cup matches, contributed to the injuries afflicting both bowlers and batters.
He reminded everyone that Pakistan was the number one ODI team before the World Cup and expressed trust in the current squad’s capabilities.
In a poignant moment, Naseem Shah took to his X account to announce his withdrawal from the World Cup squad. He conveyed his disappointment and placed his faith in divine intervention for a speedy return to the field.
The Squad
– Babar Azam (Captain)
– Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain)
– Abdullah Shafique
– Fakhar Zaman
– Haris Rauf
– Hasan Ali
– Iftikhar Ahmed
– Imamul Haq
– Mohammad Nawaz
– Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
– Mohammad Wasim
– Agha Salman
– Saud Shakeel
– Shaheen Shah Afridi
– Usama Mir
Reserve Squad
– Mohammad Haris
– Abrar Ahmed
– Zaman Khan
