The hearts of countless Pakistan cricket lovers were left broken when fast bowling sensation Naseem Shah was ruled out of the World Cup squad because of an injury.
In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, former cricketer Moin Khan has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical team for their poor handling of the young cricketer’s injury, as a result of which he had to miss out on the major event.
“Naseem’s injury is a disaster of Pakistan’s team medical panel and physiotherapist,” Moni stated. “Because he has been constantly complaining that he is having problem since three to four months yet they were continuously playing him. A player would always wish to not get dropped but when he is telling you about his injury, you have to take it very seriously. The medical panel didn’t take it seriously. This was a recipe for disaster.”
The former captain urged PCB to hold the medical board accountable for their mismanagement, as a result of which Pakistan’s cricket team lost an impressive bowler like Naseem.
“The authorities in PCB should task them [medical panel] because we suffered a great loss ahead of World Cup when Naseem was in form and was bowling extraordinarily. And which is why now we have to take Hassan Ali. Hassan Ali is an experienced bowler, who has been through similar circumstances. From that point of view, this decision is suitable and Hassan Ali’s selection is justified.”
“The feedback of medical panel in the selection is essential. Particularly to the captain that how you have to manage a player’s workload. All of your players are talented. This shouldn’t be the approach that you will spend the rest of the year with the same combination, you cannot do that, it’s difficult.”
In a tweet, Naseem Shah announced his absence from the World Cup, writing:
“With a heavy heart, I’m sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I’m disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah’s hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon. Thank you to all my fans for the prayers!”
With a heavy heart, I'm sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I'm disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah's hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon.
— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) September 22, 2023
Thank you to all my fans for the prayers!
