Due to Naseem Shah's shoulder injury, which casts doubt on his availability for the next International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in 2023, the Pakistan cricket team is forced to hunt for replacements.
At the 2023 Asia Cup, the right-arm pacer injured his shoulder while playing for the Green Shirts against India.
Shah's health was updated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, according to a statement that read: "The PCB's medical staff has been keeping an eye on the condition of Naseem Shah's shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023. To give Naseem the finest treatment possible, doctors now consult specialists."
The statement said, "The PCB medical panel will decide on the fast bowler's return to cricket based on further evaluations."
The 20-year-old's readiness for the forthcoming ICC World Cup in 2023 has been called into question due to the injury.
Haris Rauf was also ruled out of the same match against India as a precaution after complaining of soreness in his oblique muscle, so this is not the only fast-bowler issue plaguing the PCB.
Additionally, fast bowler Ihsanullah has an elbow injury and will be sidelined for the next two months.
Mohammad Hasnain is also undergoing rehabilitation from an injury in England.
In the Asia Cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka, Zaman Khan, then 22 years old, made his debut but failed to pick up a wicket in his six-over stint. He bowled an outstanding last over in which he had to hold off eight batsmen, and there is a good probability that he will take Naseem Shah's position in the 15-man team.
Zaman, who is renowned for his slingy movement, hasn't played much 50-over cricket, but his death bowling gives him an advantage. He has only taken six wickets in eight List A games, which is all he has played.
Shahnawaz Dahani was further called up as a backup for the Asia Cup, but he was not formally included in the team. Since he bowls faster than 140 kph, he also has a good chance of taking Naseem's place.
He has two ODI appearances under his belt for Pakistan and only one wicket from his first match in Multan against the West Indies. His List A record, which includes 56 wickets in 31 games, is extremely excellent.
Given his international experience, Hassan Ali may be preferred over the bowlers indicated above. In 60 ODIs, the 29-year-old has taken 91 wickets. In addition, he won Player of the Tournament honors as Pakistan won the 2017 Champions Trophy, and his batting skills set him apart from the competition.