The Pakistan Cricket Board’s selection committee, headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq, named a 15-member squad for the World Cup on Friday, September 22. Hsasan Ali, who last featured in an ODI for Pakistan in June 2022, has got the nod as Naseem’s replacement.

The young pace sensation sustained a shoulder injury on the reserve day of the rain-hit Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours match against India, adding him to the list of players under injury clouds ahead of the global event.

The 20-year-old made clear his sadness on X (formerly Twitter). However, he wished his teammates luck ahead of their World Cup campaign.

With a heavy heart, I’m sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I’m disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah’s hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon.

Thank you to all my fans for the prayers!

— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) September 22, 2023

Inzamam lamented Naseem’s misfortune and confirmed that he could be unavailable even after the World Cup: “Unfortunately, the report we have from our doctors, we hear Naseem will be out for a longer time than just the World Cup. At this time, he was the world’s best bowler in my view. It’s a loss for Pakistan. We hope he’s fit soon.”

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