Naseem Shah likely to miss entire World Cup 2023, sources

Naseem Shah is likely to miss the entire World Cup 2023, sources claimed on Saturday.

In a huge blow to the Pakistan Cricket team, star pacer Naseem Shah could miss the entire ICC World Cup 2023 owing to an injury in his right shoulder.

“Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah is likely to miss the entire World Cup after scans revealed an injury to his right shoulder that is worse than was initially suspected,” ESPNcricinfo reported Saturday.

“The PCB is understood to be seeking a second opinion, but scans from tests in Dubai appear to show the injury could rule him out for the rest of the year,” the report stated.

“Should secondary results back up the initial ones, Naseem, 20, is looking at a layoff spanning several months which means his participation in the Test series in Australia at the turn of the year is in doubt, as well as the next Pakistan Super League also in grave doubt,” it added.

Zaman Khan who replaces Naseem Shah in Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad, could be called up for the World Cup if needed.

During Pakistan’s second game against India at the Asia Cup last week, Naseem walked off the field in the 46th over on the reserve day for that game.

Soon after, the PCB issued a press release stating that the right-arm pacer had been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.