Naseem Shah, a promising 20-year-old Pakistani fast bowler, along with numerous cricket fans, expressed disappointment regarding his exclusion from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the decision to replace Naseem with Hassan Ali in the 15-member squad for the highly anticipated tournament.
Naseem, while expressing his regret for not being part of the team that would represent Pakistan, mentioned that he would miss the opportunity to contribute. However, Mohammad Haris, a young wicketkeeper-batsman, lightened the mood by offering Naseem his “shoulder” in a humorous yet heartwarming manner, symbolically suggesting that Naseem could use his support to play in the World Cup.
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!
— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) September 22, 2023
In a playful gesture, an edited picture of Haris from a Pakistan Super League match was captioned with, “Naseem mera shoulder lele [Naseem, take my shoulder].” Haris also encouraged Naseem to stay strong.
Naseem appreciated Haris’s supportive gesture and wished him good luck for the World Cup, as Haris would be accompanying the national squad as a reserve player.
Thank You meri jan, good luck for the World Cup. https://t.co/jHSzkhfwxn
— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) September 22, 2023
Naseem’s shoulder injury had occurred during a Pakistan-India match in the recently concluded Asia Cup, and medical experts have recommended surgery, followed by a three to four-month recovery period.
The Pakistani pace attack for the World Cup will be spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with support from Haris Rauf, Mohammed Waseem, and Hassan Ali, in a squad that remains largely unchanged under the leadership of Babar Azam.
