ODI World Cup 2023
‘Bakwas Team’ – Fans react as Pakistan announce squad for ODI World Cup 2023
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the ODI World Cup 2023 squad on September 22, which is all set to commence in host country India on October 5. Notably, the Men in Green will be facing the Netherlands in their opening game, set to take place on October 6 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. However, Babar Azam and Co. will be facing New Zealand on September 29 and Australia on October 2 for the warm-up game.
Meanwhile, the squad has seen some notable omissions and additions. Notably, Haris Rauf, who sustained injuries during the Asia Cup 2023, has been able to get a place in the squad as a reserve, whereas Naseem Shah’s replacement has been named in the squad. The star spinners Usama Mir and Mohammad Nawaz got a place in the squad, while Faheem Ashraf missed out.
Following the squad announcement, Pakistan Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq opened up about Naseem Shah’s injury. The former Pakistani cricketer reveals that Hasan Ali will be the replacement, as the star cricketer is an experienced bowler who has performed well in the mega events for the Pakistan team and had great records in the LPL as well. He feels Hasan Ali can contribute with bat and ball in the ODI World Cup 2023, as well as bring energy to the squad.
Hasan Ali is an experienced bowler who has played big mega events for Pakistan: PCB
“Naseem was injured, he was our main bowler and it was unfortunate. [Mohammad] Hasnain has an ankle injury and is out injured and so is Ihsanullah. If you see how Hasan Ali performed in the LPL, or other performances, he has performed better than most. He is an experienced bowler who has played big mega events for Pakistan and performed well in them. He bowls well with both old and new ball, and is a team man. His presence lends energy to the team,” Inzamam-ul-Haq said being quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Pakistan squad for the World Cup: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk.), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali.
Check out how fans have reacted to the squad:
सबसे घटिया टीम , जिसे कोई भी देखना पसंद नही करेगा,😡
— Vishal Kumar (@vishalkumar9000) September 22, 2023
kuch naya nhi hai.. bas hasan ali
— Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) September 22, 2023
bolo sub Pakistan World Cup jeetay ga pic.twitter.com/3lKYSFpDgL
— 𝕏 (@allbymyslff) September 22, 2023
Bakwas team.
— Slog Sweep-189 (@SloggSweep) September 22, 2023
My Team ❤️
— Mahatma Gandhi (Parody) (@GandhiAOC) September 22, 2023
Pak fans: pic.twitter.com/H2uMg8cTW4
— Chatur (Not an Idiot) (@mpbsvs) September 22, 2023
