Pakistan have been having a torrid time at the World Cup, having lost four matches on the bounce after winning the first two. Naseem has been a huge miss for them, as they have themselves admitted several times during the course of the tournament. Naseem hurt his shoulder during an Asia Cup match against India in September and was subsequently ruled out of the Asia Cup first, followed by the World Cup.

Hasan Ali replaced him in the World Cup squad and has been decent, taking eight wickets from five games so far, but Pakistan have lacked the incisiveness that Naseem used to provide with the new ball.

Today (October 28), Naseem posted on X (Twitter), giving a positive update about his rehabilitation process. He said that he is well on the way to recovery and is feeling much better than before, although the process has not been easy. The post was accompanied with an extended video of him working out, raising hopes among Pakistan fans for a quick recovery.

Slowly but surely… Alhamdulillah for everything.

My rehab is going well, working with Dr. Imtiaz & his incredible team. I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch and representing my country.

The road is tough, lonely & endless but with your duas I already feel better,… pic.twitter.com/2TVpT4q2u9

— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) October 28, 2023

Pakistan are currently sixth on the points table with four points from six games. Bowling, which has been their stronger suit over the last few years, has let them down with Haris Rauf being taken to the cleaners on several occasions and Shaheen Afridi and Hasan not looking as threatening as at their peaks. Their spinners have not been impactful as well, which has reflected on their position on the points table.

Naseem, all of 20 years old, has a tremendous ODI record, having taken 32 wickets from 14 matches, and has been a big miss for Pakistan at this World Cup.