World Cup 2023: Fitness updates for all teams

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Worrying statement by Babar Azam in his post game presser:

==

When asked about what his Plan B will be if Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah become unfit for the World Cup:

"I can't tell you my Plan B for the World Cup, will tell you later (smiled)"

"Haris Rauf has a side strain and it's not too bad and he will recover before the World Cup, Naseem Shah may miss a couple of matches (in the World Cup) but I don't know yet about how long his recovery will take; In my opinion, Naseem Shah will be in the World Cup later on, but let's see."
 
Why do pacers get injured so frequently these days. In 90s I don't remember so many pacers being injured as they are now.
 
Why do pacers get injured so frequently these days. In 90s I don't remember so many pacers being injured as they are now.
Yes every team has same problem ,maybe playing too much cricket is one of the reason .
 
Naseem Injured will be a massive setback. I really don't know how Pakistan are managing their fast bowlers here but they should have been wrapped in cotton wool before the WC.

Clearly the depth isn't there, Zaman Khan, Wasim jnr or Dahani are no where near the calibre of Naseem.
 
Pakistan should have went into Asia cup relaxed. I can understand India unleashing Bumrah because he hasn’t played since BC but for Pakistan to go in with their 3 front line bowlers was not very smart thinking with the World Cup just a month away.
 
Told you guys in the match thread, there is no smoke without fire. Rumors are abound that Naseem will miss the World Cup, the team management aggravated the injury he sustained in the game against Bangladesh.

He was NOT match fit for the game against India, but was either forced to play or played it himself.
 
Worrying statement by Babar Azam in his post game presser:

==

When asked about what his Plan B will be if Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah become unfit for the World Cup:

"I can't tell you my Plan B for the World Cup, will tell you later (smiled)"

"Haris Rauf has a side strain and it's not too bad and he will recover before the World Cup, Naseem Shah may miss a couple of matches (in the World Cup) but I don't know yet about how long his recovery will take; In my opinion, Naseem Shah will be in the World Cup later on, but let's see."
I can't help but think if he should've been withdrawn after that shoulder fall in the Bangladesh match.

I hope he is fit for the World Cup.
 
Naseem Shah definitely got this shoulder injury in LPL..his LPL captain did say that Naseem missed the match due to shoulder injury..but Naseem Shah refuted him and said no I am fine..he implied that his LPL captain lied… lol..why would he lie? Naseem said I just got break because I had been playing continuously.. Naseem should have definitely missed Afghanistan series..but he played… played even against Nepal… its the same shoulderi injry which would have been minor then… It got aggrevated and now he might miss crucial matches in world cup…

When will our pacers..start getting honest with themselves and the country?

babar was in the same team as Naseem LPL.. he knew that he got shoulder strain so why didnt he rest him for Afghanistan series, when he knew WC is around the corner.. Senseless..
 
Naseem shah might be missing the opening match of the world cup. I doubt that he will be fit till the world cup.
 
If he’s fit for some games in World Cup then there is hope
 
Pakistan should have went into Asia cup relaxed. I can understand India unleashing Bumrah because he hasn’t played since BC but for Pakistan to go in with their 3 front line bowlers was not very smart thinking with the World Cup just a month away.
If you keep protecting pacers citing workload then how will they get match practice and get match fit. You get fitter by playing more.

Injuries seem to stem from workout routines. Bad strength training g programmes etc and lifting to look good type workouts will cause such issues. Functional training should always be priority and it has to be sport specific.
 
I thought it would be a good idea to start this thread as there is a lot of uncertainty or not much information on certain players and their availability. So if any posters / people with inside information can give updates and information on players and their injuries, current form (in domestics etc) and availability.

Does anyone have up to date information on these players who may be in the reckoning for World Cup squad (feel free to add more ):
Ihsanullah
Haris Sohail
Hassan Ali
Hasnain
Abrar Ahmed (form wise)
Umar Akmal (desperate I know but if he’s in top form he can do well in India and is the only active player who’s played in India)
Shoaib Maqsood (really desperate)

If there’s anyone else I’ve missed feel free to add.
 
as pessimistic as this sounds , if we are going to go far in the tournament I don’t see us beating India twice and I rather get our loss out the way at the group stage
 
It’s hard to imagine that Naseem Shah joins the team late with no match practice and can immediately perform. Seems more likely that he either makes it to the start of the world cup or doesn’t make attend any games, no?
 
It’s hard to imagine that Naseem Shah joins the team late with no match practice and can immediately perform. Seems more likely that he either makes it to the start of the world cup or doesn’t make attend any games, no?

There are players that join series without any immediate match practice, players who play games after a break, so I wouldn’t be too worries
 
Wanted to create a central thread where we can keep up with the latest injuries/recovery progress of our players before the world cup starts.

Here goes:

1. Haris Rauf: Side Strain, expected to be fit for the start of the world cup
2. Naseem Shah: Right shoulder, may miss the start of the world cup. Severity of the injury unclear at this time.



Babar Azam has raised the possibility that Naseem Shah may not recover in time to take part in Pakistan's opening games at the World Cup in India. While the PCB has not made public any timeline for Naseem's recovery from a right shoulder injury, Babar appeared unsure as to whether Naseem would be fit for from the outset of the tournament next month.




There is more confidence that Haris Rauf, who is nursing a side issue, will be fit for the start of the World Cup; Pakistan did not even officially rule him out of the Asia Cup or formally induct his replacement, Shahnawaz Dahani, into the squad. Speaking post-match after Pakistan's last-ball defeat and elimination from the Asia Cup at Sri Lanka's hands, Babar was similarly confident about Rauf's chances, while seeming to equivocate over Naseem's full World Cup availability.
 
I hope Pakistan's pace trio of Shaheen, Naseem and Haris will be fit enough to play in the World Cup. Pakistan bowling looked weak in their absence last night against Sri Lanka. It is important for the management and PCB to manage the fast bowlers' workload better. I don't think there was need for Shaheen and Rauf to play in The Hundred, Shaheen even played in the T20 Blast as well that could be skipped ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup.
 
Pcb never share a clear report and they did send naseem to Dubai for scans we hardly know the total damage as of yet. If he will require couple of weeks off it's better to select some other Bowler but heck no to Zaman/Dahani/waseem. They should try hassan ali or ihsanullah if he's fit won't be worse than those 3 nothing bowlers
 
Pcb never share a clear report and they did send naseem to Dubai for scans we hardly know the total damage as of yet. If he will require couple of weeks off it's better to select some other Bowler but heck no to Zaman/Dahani/waseem. They should try hassan ali or ihsanullah if he's fit won't be worse than those 3 nothing bowlers
All quiet on the Ihsanullah front.

The guy hasn't played for a while, had to pull out of The Hundred also.

I would highly doubt he would be fit for the World Cup.
 
All quiet on the Ihsanullah front.

The guy hasn't played for a while, had to pull out of The Hundred also.

I would highly doubt he would be fit for the World Cup.
Just wasting another potential talent nothing new. When is the last date to make changes to world cup squad ? Any news about who's getting dropped?
 
Why has babar made it his sole mission to have naseem, Rauf and Shaheen die on the battlefield?

The way he plays them makes it seem as if he's genuinely trying to kill them.
 
Massive Setback honestly.

From the matches Ive seen this year, I feel that Naseem Shah has actaully been Pakisans best fast bowler, espicially in ODI.

Yes, even after this Asia Cup, Im backing Pakistan to win the World Cup (because I don't know who else to go for :))

But after Naseem Shah suspected to miss nearly half of the group matches, well this is a massive setback

Could this be the cue for Ihsanullah to come in now?
 
Massive Setback honestly.

From the matches Ive seen this year, I feel that Naseem Shah has actaully been Pakisans best fast bowler, espicially in ODI.

Yes, even after this Asia Cup, Im backing Pakistan to win the World Cup (because I don't know who else to go for :))

But after Naseem Shah suspected to miss nearly half of the group matches, well this is a massive setback

Could this be the cue for Ihsanullah to come in now?
Ihsanullah is also not fit, lets hope Naseem will get fit before the tournament starts.
 
I think Hassan Ali had an operation so not sure he will be an option for the world cup too.
 
I think Hassan Ali had an operation so not sure he will be an option for the world cup too.
I would prefer to have Hassan in there then newbies like Ihsanullah and Zaman Khan who I don't get the hype over as I feel PPers are forgetting this is a 50 over WC plus Hassan is a handy batter.
 
Hassan Ali is done at International white ball level

He will go for economy’s of 8+ easily
with the available options we have i would rather pick hassan ali instead of Dahani, Waseem Jr and Zaman Khan.

else you tell me any better option?
 
Naseem Injured will be a massive setback. I really don't know how Pakistan are managing their fast bowlers here but they should have been wrapped in cotton wool before the WC.

Clearly the depth isn't there, Zaman Khan, Wasim jnr or Dahani are no where near the calibre of Naseem.
But we had to win the Nepal match 🤪
 
This was after a long long time that Pak had a locked in pace attack for the wc.
 
with the available options we have i would rather pick hassan ali instead of Dahani, Waseem Jr and Zaman Khan.

else you tell me any better option?
He did well in county and LPL if he's available pakistan should atleast replace him with waseem Jr and keep naseem in the squad if he will fit in 3-4 weeks
 
Percent wise what are the chances Naseem would be available for some games? They haven’t officially said he’s out , I would say maybe 10-20% or is that being too optimistic?
 
Dr Sohail was sacked in 2021 due to player injuries. Najam Sethi when he came back he brought him back results injuries again. Why tried and tested people again and again?
 
This an excellent opportunity for Pakistan to boycott the World Cup they aren't making it out of group stage without Naseem and Rauf
 
Nasim Shah's injuries exposed our system
We always talking about pace and pace; Benchmarks settled by us costs us.
From last couple of year we lack a bowler who bowls around 135-140 but hit the good length in red and white ball too.
Please review our benchmarks..
 
How bad is his injury? Do we know for sure he is totally out of the World Cup?
 
It's good to not show trump cards before time. But i wonder who can be replacement of naseem shah. I don't see any reliable bowler. Zaman Khan will be expensive bowler in terms of economy. Mohammad hasnain and Dhani has no control over their lines and length.
 
ESPN CRICINFO today claimed he will miss WC but PCB said that their panel will decide further after medical consultation
Yeah I saw that on Cricinfo after posting that question. This is bad indeed. I dont think we should risk him for the world cup if it could result in a long term injury.

Reminds me of how Waqar missed the 92 world cup right at the peak of his powers. Sad
 
All quiet on the Ihsanullah front.

The guy hasn't played for a while, had to pull out of The Hundred also.

I would highly doubt he would be fit for the World Cup.
Can you please contact him?

What's really up with Ihsanullah? What is his injury and when is he likely to be back?
 
The player who will offer the least drop off in quality from Naseem is Amir. Especially in a tournament.

Yeah, he's burnt too many bridges and probably is not a practical suggestion anymore, but just putting it out there.
 
Please no no no no to Hasan Ali and Mohammad Amir 🙏
well for hassan ali i would also choose "NO" but i think we should give a chance to Amir because he brings lot of experience with him which can surely help Pakistan team into the worldcup.
 
well for hassan ali i would also choose "NO" but i think we should give a chance to Amir because he brings lot of experience with him which can surely help Pakistan team into the worldcup.
But he also brings negativity in dressing room
 
Naseem needs to be replaced with an opening bowler. It could be amir or imad. Imad is making a comeback for sure.
 
Naseem needs to be replaced with an opening bowler. It could be amir or imad. Imad is making a comeback for sure.
I don't think we will see Amir getting a chance in the Pakistan national team. Imad can be a good choice in the team but not sure if he will be picked as a new ball bowler.
 
From Naseem Shah to Travis Head – The 22 players under injury clouds weeks away from the World Cup.

Several squads have suffered significant injuries to key players in their World Cup plans in recent weeks – here’s a round-up of the news on all injured and returning players.

Tim Southee (New Zealand)
Southee sustained a broken and dislocated thumb in the final ODI of New Zealand’s four match series against England. He left the field immediately and did not appear for the remainder of the game. New Zealand have since announced that he will undergo surgery on his thumb next week, after which a decision will be made on his availability for the World Cup.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Williamson has been named in New Zealand’s squad as their captain. He has not played international cricket since March after rupturing his ACL in the IPL. New Zealand are confident that the 2019 player of the tournament will fit for the competition’s first game, a rematch of the 2019 final against England.

Anrich Nortje (South Africa)
Nortje will undergo a fitness test during this week to assess the likelihood of his participation in the World Cup. He has been named in South Africa’s 15-man squad but sustained a lower-back injury in the first ODI against Australia.

Sisanda Magala (South Africa)
Magala was also injured in South Africa’s series against Australia, suffering an injury to his left knee. Along with Nortje, he will also undergo a fitness Test in the week commencing September 18 to assess his World Cup fitness potential. If either Nortje or Magala are unable to participate in the World Cup, South Africa are likely to call up Andile Phehlukwayo.

Shreyas Iyer (India)
Iyer suffered back spasms during the latter part of the Asia Cup but is expected to be fit for the start of the World Cup. Rohit Sharma said of Iyer’s fitness this week: “I would say 99 per cent he should be okay as of now, but he looks good.”

Axar Patel (India)
Axar picked up a left quadricep strain in India’s last Super Fours game in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh. He has not been named in India’s squad for the first two ODIs against Australia but has been, subject to fitness, for the final match of the series. R Ashwin and Washington Sundar have been named in India’s squads for the ODIs as potential replacements for Axar in the World Cup.

Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)
There were fears over Theekshana’s hamstring after he picked up the injury in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup Super Fours match against Pakistan, and he was unavailable for selection for the tournament final. However, scans have since shown that the tear is not as serious as first thought and Theekshana should be available for the World Cup. Sri Lanka have yet to name their squad for the tournament.

Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lanka)
Chameera sustained a shoulder injury during the Lanka Premier League and missed the entirety of the Asia Cup. There is no news on his availability for the World Cup.

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
Hasaranga was injured out of the Asia Cup with a grade two thigh strain. It was reported yesterday that Hasaranga had also suffered a setback in training which could put his World Cup appearance in jeopardy. There has been no official announcement on the extent of his injury.

Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka)
Madushanka tore an oblique muscle during a warm-up game for the Asia Cup. He was the third Sri Lanka fast-bowler ruled out of the tournament. There has been no official news on his availability for the World Cup.

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh)
Shanto picked up a hamstring injury while scoring a century against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. He flew home to begin his rehabilitation and was replaced by Litton Das in Bangladesh’s squad. At the time, a BCB spokesperson said: “As a precaution, Shanto will not take any further part in the tournament and will be returning home to start rehab and prepare for the World Cup.”

Ebadot Hossain (Bangladesh)
Ebadot is a significant doubt for the World Cup after undergoing knee surgery for a left ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair. He sustained the injury during the final match of Bangladesh’s three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in July. The injury was originally not thought to be serious.

Travis Head (Australia)
Head fractured his hand while batting against Gerald Coetzee in the fourth ODI between South Africa and Australia. He received treatment on the field after being hit on the glove and faced three more balls before retiring hurt. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald later confirmed an X-ray had shown Head had suffered a fracture. It is expected that he will not be fit for at least the start of the tournament, with Australia weighing up whether to include him in their squad for the competition’s backend.

Steve Smith (Australia)
Smith suffered a wrist injury during this summer’s Ashes series and did not take part in the ODI series in South Africa. He is in Australia’s squad for their series against India and is expected to be fit for the World Cup.

Pat Cummins (Australia)
Cummins was another Australia player who picked up an injury during the Ashes. The Australia captain fractured his wrist in the final Test at The Oval. He was not fit for Australia’s series in South Africa but is set to make his comeback in the India ODIs and continue into the World Cup.

Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Starc is another name expected to make a return in India. He suffered a groin injury during the Ashes but should be fit for the World Cup provided he makes it through the ODIs against India.

Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
Maxwell was always set to miss the ODIs in South Africa for paternity leave but returned home early after suffering discomfort to his right ankle. He will return to the squad in India.

Ashton Agar (Australia)
Agar tore his calf in the first ODI in South Africa and did not play the following two games before returning home for the birth of his first child. He will not play in the series against India.

Naseem Shah (Pakistan)
It’s been reported that Naseem will miss the whole World Cup after he injured his shoulder on the reserve day of Pakistan’s second Asia Cup match against India. Scans have reportedly shown a significant injury, although there has been no official announcement on his availability for the World Cup.

Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
Rauf was also injured in Pakistan’s second Asia Cup match against India. He picked up a side strain which ruled him out of Pakistan’s final Super Four game against Sri Lanka. Babar Azam said on Rauf after Pakistan’s exit from the competition: “Haris Rauf is not bad. He’s just got a little bit of a side strain, but he’s recovering before the World Cup.”

Mark Wood (England)
Wood did not play a part in England’s recently concluded four match series against New Zealand. He has not played any competitive cricket since the final Ashes Test match, suffering from a sore heel after the series. Resting him for the New Zealand series was reportedly precautionary and he is expected to be fit for the World Cup.

Adil Rashid (England)
Rashid left the field in the first match of the series against New Zealand suffering cramp. He did not feature in any of the later matches in the series due to calf tightness. There is no official news on his fitness for the World Cup, but he is expected to be available from the start.


Wisden
 
Ihsanullah should be Naseem's ideal replacement unless their is someone better? Is Haris fit or another doubt?
 
Ihsanullah should be Naseem's ideal replacement unless their is someone better? Is Haris fit or another doubt?
I think Harris is fit and will play this world cup, but Ihsanullah is not fit either, else he could have been the excellent replacement of Naseem Shah. The only one problem with Ihsanullah that he is a terrible fielder.
 
I think Harris is fit and will play this world cup, but Ihsanullah is not fit either, else he could have been the excellent replacement of Naseem Shah. The only one problem with Ihsanullah that he is a terrible fielder.
With Ihsanullah not fully fit and Naseem out we are then in trouble. Most of other fielders are poor so that should not be a problem for us!
 
White-ball head coach Rob Walter today confirmed that Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.
 
Jason Roy excluded from World Cup squad selectors cited his back spasms issues. Harry Brook included in place of him.He was an integral member of the England squad that won the World Cup in 2019.
 
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