Asia Cup 2022: Pakistan pacer Mohammad Wasim ruled out of the tournament; replacement announced

After Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan have dealt with another injury blow as young speedster Mohammad Wasim has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022, starting today in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Friday, confirmed the development stating that Wasim will miss the multi-team event due to a side strain that he picked up during the practice session on Wednesday. The 21-year-old underwent an MRI scan after being assessed by the medical staff, and the diagnosis confirmed the side strain.

“The findings were discussed with the PCB Medical Advisory Committee, while an independent review by a specialist physiotherapist was also sought. The medical team will closely monitor Wasim’s rehabilitation, and his return to competitive cricket will be reassessed before the England tour to Pakistan,” said PCB in a statement.

Veteran seamer Hasan Ali has been added as the replacement of Wasim, pending approval from the Event Technical Committee.

Hasan was dropped from Pakistan’s squad for the ODI series in the Netherlands as well as for the Asia Cup following a poor form with the ball. Earlier this year, in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the right-armer had a bowling average of 40.55 and an economy rate of 10.84 as he got nine wickets in nine games for Islamabad United.

Wasim’s injury has further weakened Pakistan’s pace attack, which will be without Afridi, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Now, Pakistan’s pace-bowling unit consists of Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Naseem Shah and Hasan. Their campaign at the Asia Cup begins on August 28 against India in Dubai.

Pakistan Squad:

Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir, Mohammad Hasnain, Hasan Ali (subject to approval from the Event Technical Committee).