Pakistan’s cricket team has taken swift action to address the potential absence of key bowlers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who sustained injuries during their recent 228-run loss to India in the Asia Cup. In response, fellow pacers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan have been added to Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad as backup.

Naseem and Rauf’s injuries have cast doubt on their availability for Pakistan’s final Super Four stage match against Sri Lanka, scheduled for Thursday. Although the team management remains optimistic about their recovery, they are not willing to take any risks, especially with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup just weeks away.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement explaining the decision, stating, “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, and the two will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel.”

The statement further clarified that the team management would only request replacements from the ACC technical committee if Haris or Naseem were ruled out for the next seven days.

The setback against India has had significant implications for Pakistan’s standing in the Super Four table. Babar Azam’s side has slipped to third place, necessitating a crucial victory against Sri Lanka to secure a spot in this year’s final.

Shahnawaz Dahani, one of the reinforcements, brings some international experience to the team with two ODIs and 11 T20I appearances for Pakistan. In contrast, 22-year-old Zaman Khan has limited international exposure, having featured in only six T20I matches and never having played an international ODI.

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