Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 has raised concerns, leading to potential changes in the team composition ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023 next month. The team suffered losses to India and Sri Lanka in the Super 4 matches, resulting in their early exit from the Asia Cup.
Skipper Babar Azam, Director Mickey Arthur, Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, and head coach Grant Bradburn are deliberating on the recurring fitness issues faced by some key players. The selectors are actively considering alternative players for the World Cup squad, and it’s expected that some senior players may lose their positions.
Sources suggest that a preliminary World Cup squad had been decided in consultation with the management, and players were informally informed about their participation. However, the recent Asia Cup performance has led to a reevaluation of this decision.
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Inzamam is particularly concerned about the team’s loss and the injuries to major players, such as Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Naseem’s availability for the World Cup remains uncertain due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup.
Additionally, vice-captain Shadab Khan and batter Fakhar Zaman have been struggling with their form. Babar attributed the Asia Cup defeat to the bowlers, expressing disappointment with their performance.
The visit by PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf to boost player morale appears to have added to the team’s stress. Head of Integration and Technical Committee, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Inzamam are planning to meet with local selectors to make necessary changes, while also involving Babar, Arthur, and Bradburn in the decision-making process.
It’s worth noting that the ICC World Cup 2023 will feature 10 teams competing across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the opening match and the final. The tournament will follow a round-robin format with 45 league matches, leading to the top four teams qualifying for the semifinals, set to be held in Mumbai and Kolkata with reserve days for the semifinals and final.
As of now, Pakistan has not officially announced its squad for this high-stakes event.