NEW DELHI: The participation of Pakistan's fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah in the remaining matches of the Asia Cup has been thrown into uncertainty after both sustained injuries during the Super Four encounter against India.
Team management for Pakistan has taken precautionary measures, enlisting fast bowlers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups in the Asia Cup squad.
A statement from the Pakistan team indicated, "Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups. The two have been called up after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India."
The statement also clarified the reasoning behind these additions, citing, "This is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup next month."
Haris Rauf reported experiencing "a little discomfort in his right flank" after delivering five overs during the match against India. Consequently, he did not participate in bowling or batting when the match resumed on the reserve day.
Naseem Shah, despite bowling his full quota of 10 overs, left the field in the 49th over of India's innings, holding his hand. It is suspected that he sustained an injury to his bowling shoulder. Naseem also did not take part in the batting as Pakistan concluded their innings at 128 for 8, resulting in a record 228-run defeat to India.
Team management confirmed that both Rauf and Naseem will undergo further medical evaluation in the coming days. The statement read, "Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team's medical panel. The team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days."
Pakistan's next match in the Asia Cup is scheduled against Sri Lanka on Thursday, with the possibility of reaching the final on Sunday should they advance.
(With PTI inputs)