Adelaide: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Sunday approved left-handed opening batsman Nasir Jamshed as a replacement for Mohammad Hafeez in Pakistan’s World Cup squad.
“The ICC has confirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the World Cup has approved Nasir Jamshed as a replacement player for Mohammad Hafeez in Pakistan’s squad for the tournament, which starts on February 14,” said an ICC statement.
Allrounder Hafeez is suffering from a calf injury which he picked up while batting in the second One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Napier.
The 25-year-old Nasir has played 45 ODIs in which he has scored 1,413 runs with three centuries and eight half-centuries. His last match was against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in December 2014.
Pakistan are in Pool B of the World Cup along with defending champions India, former winner the West Indies, African rivals South Africa and Zimbabwe, and qualifiers Ireland and United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq, meanwhile, said in a press conference that his team’s poor form was a concern, having lost three one-day series last year and going down 2-0 against New Zealand this month.
“I think we are not having good times in the ODIs... but I think this team is capable of turning that around.
“I am excited about this team. This is a bunch of youngsters and a few senior and we are a team which can surprise anybody at any stage.
“I am really hopeful that we are going to improve our performance but we can do that in the World Cup.”
Pakistan open their campaign against arch-rivals and defending champions India in Adelaide on February 15, a day after the tournament begins in Australia and New Zealand.
Misbah said loss of key paceman Junaid Khan to injury was another setback. “Definitely, Junaid’s loss is a big blow,” said Misbah. Junaid failed to recover from a leg injury and was replaced by Rahat Ali last week.
“Junaid had been our key bowler, especially in the one-days and it’s big blow to lose our best bowler but other bowlers need to stand up and play to their best.
“We need a big effort from all the players. As sportsmen we need to be hopeful. We know that it’s the ODIs and whenever you try to do your best and get the momentum you have chances against any side.”
