Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah is likely to miss the 2023 ODI World Cup after scans revealed an injury to his right shoulder that is worse than was initially suspected. Shah sustained the injury during the Asia Cup Super 4 Match against India in Colombo on September 10, 2023. He walked off the field during the 46th over of India’s innings after injuring his shoulder muscle.
Naseem Shah is likely to miss the ODI World Cup: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement on September 16, 2023, confirming that Shah is likely to miss the World Cup. The statement said, “Naseem Shah has undergone scans on his right shoulder, which have revealed an injury that is worse than was initially suspected. He is likely to miss the remainder of the year, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.”
The PCB has not yet announced a replacement for Shah in the World Cup squad. However, some of the other fast bowlers in the reckoning include Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Hasan Ali.
Impact on Pakistan’s World Cup chances: Shah’s absence is a major blow to Pakistan’s World Cup chances. He is one of the team’s most exciting young bowlers and has the potential to be a match-winner on his day. Pakistan’s bowling attack is still strong, even without Shah. However, his absence will leave them a little short on pace and firepower.