PAK vs SL: Here's Why Pakistan Did Not Consider Ihsanullah, Mohammad Hasnain, Hassan Ali As Backups For Naseem Shah And Haris Rauf

Pakistan‘s campaign in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 is in danger of getting completely derailed after injuries to two of their star fast-bowlers. The Men in Green started the competition in a thumping manner by thrashing Nepal by 238 runs.

It was followed by an impressive bowling performance in the washed-out match against India before they inflicted a seven-wicket defeat on Bangladesh. Everything was going well for Pakistan before they locked horns against India once again in the Super 4. The Babar Azam-led side not only suffered a humiliating 228-run defeat but also suffered two huge injury blows.

Their fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are in danger of missing the remainder of the tournament after picking injuries during the game. While Rauf complained of a side strain, Naseem was having troubles in his bowling shoulder. Rauf managed to bowl only five overs and did not come out on the field on the reserve day while Naseem suffered the injury while bowling the final over of his quota.

Pakistan’s injury replacements:

Soon after the game ended, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the backups for both the fast bowlers. The announcement, however, raised a number of eyebrows as several expected names missed out. The likes of Hassan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, and Ihsanullah were not named as backups, much to everyone’s surprise.

Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan were called as their backups. On Tuesday (September 12), the General Manager of Quetta Gladiators, Nabeel Hashmi explained the reason behind the likes of Ali, Hasnain, and Ihsanullah not being picked as backups. He revealed that Hasnain, Ihsanullah, and Hassan Ali are all currently sidelined with injuries.

“Pakistan’s backup pace options are also suffering from injuries which is why @MHasnainPak IhsanUllah have not been picked and Zaman Khan & Dahani have been called up. @RealHa55an is too recovering from the injury he suffered in @LPLT20 #AsiaCup”, Hashmi wrote on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter).

Pakistan’s back up pace options are also suffering from injuries which is why @MHasnainPak IhsanUllah have not been picked and Zaman Khan & Dahani have been called up.@RealHa55an is too recovering from the injury he suffered in @LPLT20 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/IHYdv0EVLT

— Nabeel Hashmi (@iNabeelHashmi) September 12, 2023

Meanwhile, Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in their last Super 4 clash. It will be a do-or-die game for both teams as the winner of the game will take on India in the final.