Pakistan suffered a body blow during the Asia Cup 2023 as fast bowler Naseem Shah suffered a shoulder injury during the competition and according to reports, is all but ruled out of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Added to it, Pakistan's poor performance in the competition has triggered some internal discussions which is likely to force some changes to the initial Asia Cup 2023 squad which was also set to remain unchanged for the World Cup. The subpar display by a number of players has raised difficulties for Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam as both now believe that the changes in the squad are necessary. Surprisingly, team director Mickey Arthur is yet to be involved in the decision making of the team management being engaged with county cricket. Pakistan Captain Babar Azam Reportedly Engages in Heated Arguments With Teammates in Dressing Room After Poor Outing in Asia Cup 2023.

In the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan looked a team struggling for cohesion and co-ordination with players giving individual efforts but not something coming out collectively. Opener Fakhar Zaman has been going through a horrid run of form and in the middle order Agha Salman is yet to prove consistency and authority. For Shadab Khan, the Asia Cup 2023 has been disastrously poor with the Pakistan all-rounder neither being able to impress with the bat or the ball. he performances of Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Usama Mir and Faheem Ashraf has been further unimpressive and planted doubts regarding their selection in the minds of the selectors.

Despite of their lean patch of form. Shadab Khan, Agha Salman and Fakhar Zaman are not currently under the threat of being dropped from the squad. In his limited opportunities Abdullah Shafique has been impressive too and is likely to retain his spot. Zaman Khan took the place of injured Naseem Shah in the final game of the Asia Cup 2023 and looked good in the death overs. He is likely to stay around with the squad too despite limited experience in the 50-over format. Although Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Usama Mir and Faheem Ashraf might get replaced with names like fast bowler Hasan Ali and spinner Abrar Ahmed in contention. ‘Main Tou Just 29 Saal ka Young Ladka Hon’ Hassan Ali Comes Up With Epic Response After Fan Asks Him To Announce Retirement from White-Ball Cricket.

Pakistan Likely Squad for the ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Rizwan (wk), Abrar Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Zaman Khan.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2023 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).