Pakistan Cricket Team’s preparation for Asia Cup 2023 has hit a major roadblock. Key component of Pakistan bowling line-up pacer Naseem Shah has suffered a shoulder injury, according to reports in Cricket Pakistan. The injury blow comes at a time Pakistan is looking to build momentum ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023 by putting in a strong performance in the upcoming Asia Cup.
The 20-year old pacer’s injury is sure to be a cause of concern for PCT fans and officials alike as Naseem is part of the pace-bowling trio involving Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf that Pakistan team is heavily banking on.
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Naseem Shah is currently playing in Sri Lanka’s ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) with the Colombo Strikers. He has been in good form in the tournament, taking 10 wickets at an average of 19.40 in seven games for the Colombo Strikers. Naseem’s economy rate has been impressive too, conceding just over 7 runs at a strike rate of 15.90. He has also managed to take wickets in each of the seven games he has played in.
The concerning injury became evident on Tuesday when Naseem Shah was forced to sit out of a crucial match for the Colombo Strikers against the Galle Titans at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
As per the reports, the extent of Naseem’s shoulder injury is yet to be determined. Pakistan’s bid to do well in the Asia Cup will suffer a massive blow if the pacer is indeed ruled out for the tournament.
Babar Azam and Co. start their Asia Cup campaign against Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium on August 30 before facing arch-rivals India in a high-voltage clash at the Pallekele International Cricket stadium on September 02.
The Colombo Strikers did not fare too well in the match against Galle Titans without their first-choice pacer. Naseem Shah’s team produced a dismal batting performance and were bowled out for 74 inside 15.4 overs. Galle Titan’s bowling duo Tabraiz Shamsi and Seekkuge Prasanna ran riot through Colombo’s batting line-up. Galle’s batters finished the rest of the job, chasing the low total with 8 wickets to spare.
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