Asia Cup 2023: Big Blow for Pakistan- Know Here
The worst news that Pakistan has been anticipating has come true for Pakistan. Star young pacer Naseem Shah has been ruled out for the remainder of the Asia Cup after picking up an injury in the IND vs PAK clash. Zaman Khan who was in the reserve has been called to replace the young pacer.
“Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups. The two have been called up after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India,” stated an official announcement from the Pakistan team after the India game.
The PCB said that Naseem “continues to be monitored by the team’s medical panel that is taking all necessary precautions” keeping in mind the ODI World Cup, which starts in less than a month’s time. Zaman has linked up with the Pakistan team already and has started training with them.
However, Pacer Haris Rauf, who didn’t bowl on the reserve day of the Super Four game against India, is also being monitored. The PCB update stated that he is recovering well after experiencing discomfort in his right flank on the first day of the match.
Team doctor Sohail Saleem stated that the pacers were being provided with best possible care,
“These two fast bowlers are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup.”
Pacer Shahnawaz Dahani is also expected to link up with the squad soon. He will join them on Thursday morning.
Another injury concern for Pakistan would be Agha Salman who got hit in the face while playing Ravindra Jadeja in IND vs PAK. The batter was hit just under the eye and was bleeding.
He reportedly didn’t travel with the team and went to the hospital for a scan. The extent of his injury is still unknown.
Pakistan’s next Asia Cup contest takes place in the form of a Super Four clash against Sri Lanka. Given the Super Four points table configurations, this is effectively a knockout game for the upcoming Asia Cup final on 17 September. India have already qualified for the final, courtesy of their wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
