Hasan Ali is one of the 15 players selected by Pakistan for the 2023 World Cup, which will be held in India.
The 29-year-old has been added to the team after Naseem Shah was forced to withdraw from the competition due to an injury sustained at the recently finished Asia Cup.
Since making his ODI debut in 2017, Hasan has played in 60 matches for Pakistan, taking 91 wickets at an average of 30.36. His final ODI appearance occurred in Karachi during the home series against New Zealand in January 2023.
Naseem sustained a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup Super 4 match against India and was forced to withdraw from the competition. In a statement on Friday, the Pakistan Cricket Board said, “Naseem has been advised to undergo surgery after rigorous medical examinations and consultations with top medical specialists. In three to four months, he should recover.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris, and Zaman Khan were left off the roster that competed in the Asia Cup but were included as travelling reserves along with the mysterious spinner Abrar Ahmed in the team coached by Babar Azam. Shadab Khan will serve as Babar’s stand-in for the competition in the meantime.
The team mostly follows expectations, with the four-man pace attack of Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. being supported by three spinners, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, and Mohammad Nawaz.
Pakistan will play two exhibition games, one each against New Zealand and Australia. On October 5 in Hyderabad, they will play the Netherlands in the tournament opener.
Inzamam-ul-Haq, the chief selector, said of the team: “The World Cup is the most significant event in any cricketer’s life, and I want to congratulate all the players who have made it to the squad via their outstanding achievements. We have showed faith in this squad because of how well they have done over the past few of years.
“Due to Naseem Shah’s tragic accident, we were compelled to make one change. We had a few injury scares at the most recent Asia Cup, but I’m happy to report that everyone is well and eager to compete for their nation in the crucial competition. Our medical panel has given me optimistic reports on Haris Rauf. At the National Cricket Academy, he has begun to (shadow) bowl and is now available for selection.
“I firmly believe that this team can bring Pakistan the World Cup trophy and inspire pride in the entire country with their outstanding achievements. It’s time to rally behind our team and provide them the assistance and backing they require.
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