After scans revealed that Naseem Shah’s right shoulder
injury was worse than first thought, it is likely that he will miss the entire
World Cup. The PCB is reportedly seeking a second opinion, although scans from
examinations in Dubai seem to indicate the injury may prevent him from playing
for the remainder of the year. In a statement issued on Saturday night, the
board stated that “the PCB medical panel will decide on the fast bowler’s
return to cricket based on further assessments.”
If more results confirm the preliminary ones, Naseem
might be in for a protracted layoff. His participation in the upcoming Test
series in Australia is in doubt, and he might potentially miss the followingPSL
The loss of Naseem from the World Cup and the ensuing
series in Australia will be devastating for Pakistan. For Pakistan, Naseem has
transformed over the past year from a red-ball specialist to an all-format
bowler. On his present form, Naseem is the best of Pakistan’s renowned trio of
Naseem, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf.
When the PCB receives the results of his secondary
scans in a few days, it is anticipated to make an official decision. Zaman Khan
took his place at the Asia Cup because Mohammad Hasnain, another potential
substitute, is now injured.
Since then, his workload has greatly grown (18
months). Naseem, who at the time was simply a red-ball player, has developed
into a vital bowler for Pakistan in all formats. Since making his ODI debut, he
has been their most effective bowler, taking 32 wickets in 14 games while
average slightly under 17.
But with someone as young as Naseem, the workload has
risen rather sharply. Only eight fast bowlers have bowled more international
deliveries since July 2022 than Naseem’s 2246, and none of them are even close
to his age. Only 2732 balls have been bowled overall by Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Naseem has also been in demand on the T20 circuit since leaving the LPL
recently. Friday, he was a part of the SA20 auction shortlist, a tournament he
is now almost certain to miss.