Pakistan's Naseem Shah likely to miss ICC World Cup after injuring shoulder in Asia Cup: Report

Not only are Pakistan dealing with the disappointment of failing to reach the final of the 2023 Asia Cup, they are also sweating over the fitness of one of their key players ahead of the ICC World Cup that begins next month in India

Hosts Pakistan were knocked out of the 16th edition of the Asia Cup following a narrow two-wicket loss against Sri Lanka in a rain-affected Super Four fixture on Thursday. They had earlier taken a severe beating at the hands of arch-rivals India, getting bowled out for 128 after being set a mammoth 357 to win, and the two consecutive losses condemned them to the bottom of the Super Four table.

Pacer Naseem Shah, who bowls with the new ball, had injured his shoulder during the match against India and had subsequently not walked out to bat. He would later be replaced by the uncapped Zaman Khan in their do-or-die clash against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Pakistan are now worried over the fact that the shoulder injury might force him to sit out of the World Cup that takes place between 5 October and 19 November in India.

According to a report on ESPNCricinfo, Shah underwent scans on his right shoulder in Dubai that suggested that the injury is worse than initially expected. Shah had walked off the field during India’s innings on the Reserve Day (Monday), and was later ruled out of the remainder of the Asia Cup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will wait for further results before arriving at a decision with regards to Shah’s participation in the World Cup. Should further tests confirm extensive damage to the 20-year-old’s shoulder, he might have to sit out of not just the World Cup but the subsequent Test series against Australia.

Shah forms a deadly pace combination alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, and the trio have trouble the best of batting lineups in the world in recent tournaments, including the Indians.

In his absence, the Pakistanis might have to choose from a host of candidates — Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Hasnain and Zaman Khan.