The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called up Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani as replacements for Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who were injured during the Green Shirts’ Super Four match against India on Monday in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.
The decision was made as a preventive measure, with the World Cup in 2023 rapidly approaching.
PCB Called Replacements Against Sri Lanka Match on Thursday
“Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups,” the PCB said in a brief statement.
“The two have been called up after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India.
“This is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month.
“Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel. The PCB team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days.”
Precautionary Measure for Upcoming 2023 World Cup
The World Cup 2023 starts in October, and Pakistan does not want to take any chances with their main pacers.
Pakistan’s final Super Four encounter will be against Sri Lanka, who will face India on Tuesday and will be looking to build on their recent victory over Bangladesh.
Haris Rauf was ruled out of the match against India earlier today as a precautionary measure, while Naseem did not bat due to a minor finger injury.
It should be remembered that Pakistan were restricted to 128-8 in 32 overs when chasing a goal of 357 runs, with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf not stepping out to bat due to injuries.
India’s best bowler was spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who finished with 5-25 in eight overs.
To read our blog on “Haris Rauf’s record-setting performance at the 2023 Asia Cup,” click here.
