Young pacer Naseem Shah was on Friday left out of the ODI World Cup due to a shoulder injury as Pakistan named their final 15-member squad.
Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said experienced medium pacer Hasan Ali has been recalled because of the injury to Naseem.
Naseem, 20, suffered a shoulder injury during their match against India in the Asia Cup. He has been advised to undergo surgery and is expected to recover in three to four months.
“I have not tried to tinker or make too many changes in the squad because this is a World Cup and we have to remember these same players have been playing together for a while now. We have opted for continuity in the team,” Inzamam told the media in Lahore on Friday.
“We were forced to make one change because of an unfortunate injury to Naseem Shah. We had a few injury scares in the recent Asia Cup, but I am glad to share that all the players are fully fit and are eager to perform for their country in the all-important tournament.”
Inzamam also defended Hasan Ali’s call-up. He has been out with a finger injury for a while now and last played a Test in January. His last ODI was in June 2022.
There were concerns about fast bowler Haris Rauf’s fitness after he missed the last Super Fours game against Sri Lanka following an injury.
“I have received encouraging reports from our medical panel about Haris Rauf. He has started to (shadow) bowl at the National Cricket Academy and will be available for selection,” Inzamam said.
Inzamam, however, said the recent form of the spinners has been a matter of concern. “It is a fact that our spinners are not performing as we expect them to do. And unless they take wickets in the middle overs it will be a problem in India,” he said.
“Shadab, Nawaz and Osama Mir have been playing together so I am confident they will start performing in the mega event.
“In India if you want to win matches not only do you need wicket-taking spinners but also proper pace bowlers.”
