How Hasan Ali found place in Pakistan World Cup 2023 squad despite not playing ODI cricket since June 2022

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Hasan Ali was named in Pakistan's 15-member squad for the World Cup 2023 as a replacement for injured Naseem Shah despite not playing an ODI match in the last one year.

The 29-year-old pacer last played an ODI match against West Indies in Multan on June 12, 2022. His last T20I match for Pakistan was in September 2022. In fact, he hasn't represented Pakistan in any format since January this year.

However, as luck has it, the right-arm fast bowler has replaced Naseem Shah who was Pakistan's best bowler in lead up to the World Cup 2023 but unfortunately injured his shoulder in the Asia Cup 2023.

Hasan Ali barges into Pakistan World Cup 2023 squad just 13 days before start of ICC event

Despite Naseem Shah's injury there were a bunch of other bowlers in the reckoning. Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani were called to join the Pakistan squad in the Asia Cup 2023 after the injuries of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Interestingly, both of the them are missing from the squad. While Zaman Khan has found place in the travelling reserve, Dahani has been ignored altogether.

Another 20-year-old express pacer Ihsanullah and 23-year-old Mohammad Hasnain were also a solid option. Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq revealed both the youngsters are rehabilitating after their respective surgeries.

He added that options were curtailed and there was no one better than Hasan Ali who also has the experience on his side. Hasan Ali was part of the Pakistan squad which won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. He also featured in the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

Hasan Ali featured in the Vitality Blast 2023 and picked nine wickets in five matches at an average of 14.33 and an economy rate of 6.78. He represented Dambulla Aura in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 and picked eight wickets in five matches at an average of 16.12 and economy rate of 6.78.

Hasan Ali is also someone who can bat lower down the order. He has an ODI batting average of 15.12 and has hit two fities in the format.

Moreover, Hasan also did not shy away from playing first-class matches during his time away from the Pakistan team and that worked in his favour. The likes of Mohammad Amir (retired) and Imad Wasim were not considered for the same reason.

"Naseem Shah unfortunately got injured and he's our main bowler. Hasnain had an ankle operation. Ihsanullah had an elbow operation. We had few options left among fast bowlers due to injuries. Hassan Ali bowled well in the LPL and elsewhere recently. He is experienced and has played well for Pakistan previously in big events," Inzamam said.

"Once Naseem Shah was ruled out, we also needed a bowler who could bowl with the new ball, and I think Hassan Ali is a great choice. He bowls well with the old ball too and is a team man as well. He brings energy into the team," he further added.

Pakistan Squad for World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam Ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr. Travelling Reserves: Mohammad Haris, Zaman Khan, Abrar Ahmed.