Naseem Shah’s availability for Pakistan’s World Cup first matches is uncertain

Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, has questioned if bowler Naseem Shah would be able to recuperate in time for their first matches at the 2017 World Cup in India.

The captain has said that their star bowler Haris Rauf is “recovering well” from a side strain and would be ready for their first match against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6.

The pair suffered minor injuries during Pakistan’s Super Four match against India at the Asia Cup and were watching from the sidelines as the team lost to Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday, which led to Pakistan’s elimination from the competition.

Regarding the timescale for Naseem’s recovery from a right shoulder injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet provided one.

Babar Azam raised doubt on Naseem’s readiness for the commencement of the competition in light of this.

“I’ll explain later… I’m not going to tell you about our backup plan right now. However, Haris Rauf is not a horrible actor. He just has a little side injury, but he is recuperating in time for the World Cup.

Also, Naseem Shah They have missed a few games; I’m not sure how long the rehabilitation will take, but in my view, Naseem Shah will also play in the World Cup in the future. Let’s just see, he said.

The 20-year-old Naseem, who is prone to injuries, was sidelined for 14 months when he was 17 due to a back issue.

A shoulder injury sustained during his first game for Gloucestershire in the County Championship six weeks after his recovery sidelined him for another month.

He was first noted as a red-ball specialist but has now developed into a crucial bowler for Pakistan in all three game forms.

He has been Pakistan’s most potent bowler in ODIs, taking 32 wickets in only 14 games, all at an average under 17.

Teams must submit their 15-player groups to the ICC by September 28 in order to compete in the six-week competition. After that date, changes to the 15-player groups must be approved by the tournament’s organizers.

Prior to the commencement of the World Cup, Pakistan does not have any official 50-over matches planned; however, they do have two unofficial ODI-qualifying exhibition games against New Zealand and Australia on September 29 and October 3, respectively.