Fast bowler Naseem Shah vows to return to field soon

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah is heartbroken for not being part of the national squad set to play in the ICC Men’s World Cup in India next month.

Naseem Shah picked a shoulder injury during the recently held Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. The ICC World Cup will start on October 5 in India.

Taking to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Naseem Shah said he will not be part of this amazing team. “With a heavy heart, I’m sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country,” Naseem Shah said following announcement of the Pakistan team for the World Cup.

He further said “While I’m disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah’s hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon.”

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup, replacing injured Naseem Shah with Hasan Ali.

Naseem Shah has been advised surgery and will recover in three to four months, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said. “Following thorough medical examinations and consultations with leading medical experts, Naseem has been advised to undergo surgery,” the board said in a statement released on Friday.

“Naseem Shah is a key bowler for us, but he’s injured,” PCB Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq told reporters in Lahore today.

“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.”