Follow UsFast bowler Hasan Ali has returned to the Pakistan squad for the ICC World Cup 2023 as Pakistan announce their 15-member squad. As expected, Naseem Shah misses out due to a shoulder injury, but Haris Rauf has recovered in time and finds a place in the squad. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Wasim are the others who make up the fast bowling department, while Faheem Ashraf, who was part of the Asia Cup 2023 squad, misses out.
Hasan last played an ODI for Pakistan in June 2022 against West Indies in Multan. Overall, he has 91 wickets from 60 matches at an economy rate of 5.75. However, he had not been in the best of forms. He last picked up a wicket for Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup and since has gone seven matches without a scalp.
Speaking of Hasan's selection, chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said, "Naseem was injured; he was our main bowler, and it was unfortunate.
"Hasnain has an ankle injury and is out injured, and so is Ihsanullah. If you say Hasan Ali performing in the LPL [Lanka Premier League] or other performances, he has performed better than most. He is an experienced bowler who has played big mega events for Pakistan and performed well in them.
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"And when Naseem was ruled out, we needed someone who could bowl with the new ball. He bowls well with both old and new ball and is a team man. His presence lends energy to the team."
The Babar Azam-led side has also named three spinners - Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir - as their frontline spinners, while the part-time options of Iftikhar Ahmed and Salman Agha could come in handy at some point during the competition.
Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed and Zaman Khan, who debuted recently, are part of the travelling reserves.
Pakistan begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad. They play warm-up matches against New Zealand (September 29) and Australia (October 3) at the same venue ahead of the mega event.
Pakistan squad for World Cup: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr
Travelling Reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan