Today on Friday, Cricket Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq shared the names of the 15 players who will be part of Pakistan’s team for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. It’s important to mention that bowler Hasan Ali is in the team. However, Naseem Shah, who is a famous bowler, won’t be playing because he got hurt in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan has announced their 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in India in October and November. The selection committee, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, prioritized consistency and confidence in the current squad, making just one change, which was necessitated.
Following a shoulder injury sustained during a match against India on September 11 in the Asia Cup. Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been replaced by Hasan Ali. Naseem Shah, after extensive medical assessments and consultations with leading experts. He has been advised to undergo surgery and is expected to make a full recovery in three to four months.
Additionally, three traveling reserves have been named: wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, and fast bowler Zaman Khan.
The squad comprises:
- Captain: Babar Azam
- Vice Captain: Shadab Khan
- Players: Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- The traveling reserves include Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Zaman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed.
Pakistan is set to play two warm-up matches, the first against New Zealand on September 29, and the second against Australia on October 3, before their tournament opener against the Netherlands on October 6.
Team’s Breakdown
Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in the world and will be the key to Pakistan’s success. Mohammad Rizwan is a world-class wicket-keeper and has also developed into a reliable batsman. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are both capable of scoring big runs, while Shadab Khan is a versatile all-rounder who can bat, bowl, and field.
The bowling attack is led by Shaheen Afridi, who is one of the most feared bowlers in the world. He is ably supported by Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Hasan Ali. Mohammad Nawaz and Khushdil Shah are also useful bowlers, while Faheem Ashraf can provide an extra batting option.
This squad is capable of winning the Cricket World Cup, but it will need to perform consistently throughout the tournament.
