Inzamam-ul-Haq Hints Hasan Ali Was Not The First Choice To Replace Naseem Shah

Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s chief selector, has explained the reason behind recalling Hasan Ali in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. Pakistan confirmed their 15-member squad for the marquee event on Friday (September 22).

Naseem Shah failed to make the cut for the World Cup owing to a shoulder injury. The pacer sustained the injury while bowling against India in the Super 4 match of the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. The fast bowler is set to spend a number of months on the sidelines after injuring his bowling arm.

The PCB has replaced Naseem with Hasan Ali who had fallen down the pecking orders in recent times. It would not be wrong to say that that pacer was nowhere in the picture a few days before Naseem suffered the injury. Hasan Ali has not played an ODI for Pakistan since June last year while his last international game came in January earlier this year.

Inzamam-ul-Haq explains Hasan Ali’s inclusion:

With Hasan Ali not being a regular member of Pakistan’s ODI side in recent months, his recall has raised a number of eyebrows. Speaking about the inclusion, Inzamam-ul-Haq hinted that Hasan Ali was not the first choice to replace Naseem.

The former Pakistan captain hinted that the likes of Mohammad Hasnain and Ihsanullah would have been considered ahead of Hasan Ali. Hasnain and Ihsanullah are currently sidelined with injuries. Speaking about Hasan Ali, Inzamam-ul-Haq highlighted that the pacer did well in this year’s Lanka Premier League where he picked up 8 wickets in 5 games.

The Pakistan great also said that the pacer has the experience of playing in big competitions and hailed him as a team man.

“Naseem Shah unfortunately got injured and he’s our main bowler. Hasnain had an ankle operation. Ihsanullah had an elbow operation. We had few options left among fast bowlers due to injuries. Hassan Ali bowled well in the LPL and elsewhere recently,” Inzamam-ul-Haq said after announcing the Pakistan World Cup squad.

“He is experienced and has played well for Pakistan previously in big events. Once Naseem Shah was ruled out, we also needed a bowler who could bowl with the new ball, and I think Hassan Ali is a great choice. He bowls well with the old ball too and is a team man as well. He brings energy into the team,” he added.

Hasan Ali has played 60 ODIs for Pakistan since making his debut in 2017. He was the star with the ball when Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017. The right-arm pacer has taken 91 ODI wickets so far.

Pakistan Squad for ICC World Cup 2023: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr.