Why is Naseem Shah not playing today’s PAK vs NED match of 2023 ODI World Cup?

Pakistan are all set to begin their caravan in the ODI World Cup 2023 as they square off against Netherlands in their first game on Friday. As usual, Pakistan is looking more threatening with their bowling than the batting.

Their fast bowling resources are stacked with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Hasan Ali. However, the big name of Naseem Shah is missing from their squad against Netherlands and his name is not even on the team sheet.

Why is Naseem Shah not playing?

Naseem Shah is not playing against Netherlands because of injury concerns. In fact, he is not even a part of Pakistan’s World Cup squad. The youngster looked in fiery form during the Asia Cup 2023. However, he sustained a shoulder injury during the high-octane India-Pakistan clash in the continental event.

With due diligence and medical examinations, a muscle injury was identified and the pacer had to undergo surgery. Naseem has already had a successful surgery but it will take him at least six weeks to fully recover before he can start his training.

As Naseem Shah was ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023, Hasan Ali was called back to the Pakistan side as no other back-up bowler had experience bowling with the new ball.

For the unversed, during the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match between India and Pakistan, Naseem Shah left the field in the 46th over courtesy of a shoulder injury. Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the seriousness of the injury as the 20-year-old was ruled out of the mega event.

Pakistan will now hope that the other pacers can step up in the absence of Naseem Shah as he was their best bowler with the new ball. His replacement, Hasan Ali, will have to provide the required support to Shaheen Afridi if Men in Green want to have a successful campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023.