Pakistan’s fast bowler Naseem Shah is facing uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming World Cup, slated to commence on October 5th in India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed that they are awaiting crucial medical reports to make a final decision on Naseem’s fitness and potential inclusion in the squad.
Naseem Shah sustained a shoulder injury during a tournament match against arch-rivals India in Colombo just last Sunday, leading to his exclusion from the Asia Cup. The severity of the injury has raised alarm, as recent scans have reportedly indicated that it may be more serious than initially anticipated, increasing the likelihood of Naseem missing the World Cup.
A foreign news agency while citing a report of ESPNcricinfo reported that “scans revealed an injury to his right shoulder that is worse than was initially suspected,” though the source of this information remains unspecified. The PCB has been seeking a second opinion on Naseem’s condition, but the assessments from tests conducted in Dubai seem to suggest that the young bowler could be sidelined for the rest of the year.
While Naseem’s fitness hangs in the balance, the PCB assures that they are closely monitoring his situation.
The board’s statement read, “The PCB medical team has been monitoring the status of Naseem’s shoulder injury. Medical consultations with the experts are underway to provide the best possible care to Naseem. The medical panel will decide on the fast bowler’s return to cricket based on further assessments.”
Naseem Shah, at just 20 years of age, has been an integral part of Pakistan’s pace attack, often forming a potent trio alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. However, Rauf has also faced injury concerns, missing a game against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup due to a flank injury.
The absence of Naseem Shah could pose a significant setback for Pakistan’s World Cup campaign, further compounded by their recent struggles in the Asia Cup, where they suffered a massive 228-run defeat against India and a narrow two-wicket loss to Sri Lanka.
