Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, has indicated that Naseem Shah, one of his first-choice pace bowlers, may miss the first two World Cup matches in India due to a shoulder injury. In contrast, Haris Rauf, recovering from a side issue, is expected to be ready for the start of the World Cup.
Both Naseem and Haris sustained minor injuries during Pakistan’s Super Fours match against India in the Asia Cup. They were unable to play when Pakistan was eliminated from the tournament by Sri Lanka, the defending champions, in Colombo on Thursday.
“Haris Rauf is not bad,” said Babar at the post-match press conference. “He’s just got a little bit of a side strain, but he’s recovering before the World Cup. Naseem Shah also… they have missed a couple of matches. I don’t know (how long) the recovery, but in my opinion, Naseem Shah also (will be) in the World Cup later on. But let’s see.”
Naseem’s injury hasn’t been officially explained by the PCB. Currently, he is receiving treatment in Dubai for a muscle injury below his right shoulder, seemingly incurred while bowling at the death against India.