Naseem Shah ruled out of the Asia Cup due to an injury
Asia Cup 2023: Naseem Shah was ruled out of the Asia Cup due to an injury. In a recent update from the Asia Cup, Pakistan has faced another setback following their defeat to India by an astounding 228-run margin. The team led by Babar Azam has received distressing news as one of their key fast bowlers, Naseem Shah, has been compelled to withdraw from the tournament due to an unfortunate injury. Consequently, Pakistan finds itself heading into a crucial match against Sri Lanka without the services of Naseem Shah, turning it into a must-win encounter. The Pakistan Cricket Board has acted swiftly to name Zaman Khan as the replacement for the young fast bowler, although there remains uncertainty surrounding another pace sensation, Harris Rauf, due to his own injury concerns.
Naseem Shah had been in impressive form throughout the Asia Cup, causing considerable problems for the top-order batsmen of rival teams in the group stage matches. However, during the Super Four stage clash against India, the young fast bowler suffered a shoulder injury. On Wednesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board officially announced Naseem’s unavailability for the ongoing Asia Cup. In his place, Zaman Khan, another talented fast bowler, has been included in the squad and has already commenced training with the team.
Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board have indicated that although Naseem’s injury is not considered overly severe, Pakistan is proceeding with caution to ensure his full recovery ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The medical panel of the Pakistan Board is closely monitoring Naseem’s progress and will oversee his rehabilitation process.
Simultaneously, star paceman Harris Rauf also sustained an injury during the clash against India. The Pakistan Cricket Board issued a statement confirming that comprehensive measures are being taken to ensure Harris’s well-being. His availability for the match against Sri Lanka remains uncertain at this point. The primary focus of the team’s medical staff is to have both fast bowlers in prime condition for the impending World Cup.
It is worth noting that Pakistan’s fate in the Asia Cup hinges on their performance against Sri Lanka. Failure to secure a victory would mean an early exit from the tournament, amplifying the impact of the absence of these two dependable pacers for the team.
