'Naseem Shah injury due to Pakistan medical team': Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan

Pakistan announced their World Cup squad at the last moment – just a day before the team took off for India. This delay was attributed in part to a significant injury suffered by star fast bowler Naseem Shah just ahead of the tournament. Naseem, who is a crucial part of Pakistan’s formidable fast bowling trio alongside Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, sustained a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup. This has ruled him out of the World Cup.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan has spoken about the issue and also lashed out at the management for not paying heed to Naseem’s injury. Moin said that the pacer had been “repeatedly expressing concern” about his ailment, yet the medical team continued to overlook it.

“Naseem’s injury is a disaster of Pakistan’s team medical panel and physiotherapist. Because he has been constantly complaining that he is having problem since three to four months yet they were continuously playing him. The medical panel didn’t take it seriously. This was a recipe for disaster,” Moin told Cricket Pakistan.

Moin, however, said that Hasan Ali was the best possible replacement available when Naseem was injured. He said that the PCB should hold the medical panel accountable because Pakistan suffered a significant setback just before the World Cup when Naseem was in top form.

“Consequently, we had to turn to Hasan Ali. Hasan Ali is a seasoned bowler who has faced similar challenges before. From that perspective, this decision is appropriate, and Hasan Ali’s selection is justifiable,” Moin further added.

Led by Babar Azam, Pakistan cricket team touched down in India on Wednesday and received a warm and grand welcome in Hyderabad. Departing from Lahore in the early hours of Wednesday, they reached Hyderabad during the night. Pakistan’s initial warm-up match will be against New Zealand on 29 September, which will then be followed by a showdown with Australia on 3 October.

Pakistan’s 15-member World Cup squad:

Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.