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Naseem Shah could miss initial stages of World Cup, hints Babar Azam

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Last updated on 15 Sep 2023 | 06:17 AM
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Naseem Shah could miss initial stages of World Cup, hints Babar Azam

The pacer walked off the field during the Asia Cup match against India and did not take part in the crucial tie against Sri Lanka due to a shoulder injury

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has hinted that fast bowler Naseem Shah could miss the initial stages of the World Cup due to a shoulder injury. The pacer is believed to have travelled to Dubai for scans and for further rehabilitation if required.

Pakistan suffered a thrilling two-wicket defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday (September 14) and failed to make it to the Asia Cup 2023 final, as a result. Pakistan were without two of their frontline pacers - Naseem and Haris Rauf, who is also nursing a side strain.

Speaking after the match, while Babar remained optimistic over Rauf's availability, he remained mum on whether Naseem will be fully fit ahead of the mega event in India next month.

"I'll tell you later," he said. 

"Not telling you our Plan B now. But yes, Haris Rauf is not bad. He's just got a little bit of a side strain, but he's recovering before the World Cup. 

Naseem Shah also... they have missed a couple of matches, I don't know [how long] the recovery [is], but in my opinion, Naseem Shah also [will be] in the World Cup later on. But let's see."

There's no official confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over Naseem or Rauf yet. In the absence of Rauf and Naseem, Pakistan went in with Mohammad Wasim and Zaman Khan for the crucial tie against Sri Lanka. Chasing 252 to win in 42 overs, Sri Lanka, rode on superb innings from Kusal Mendis (91), Sadeera Samarawickrama (48) and Charith Aslanka (49*) to get over the line off the final delivery with two wickets to spare.

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