World Cup 2023: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently unveiled its 15-member squad for the much-anticipated World Cup 2023. Led by the dynamic Babar Azam, the selection has sparked debates and raised eyebrows. While the inclusion of some players has been questioned by the Pakistani media, the reinstatement of a certain bowler has caught significant attention not just for his return, but for his audacious remarks on Indian cricketers.
Hasan Ali’s Surprising Inclusion:
Having been sidelined from the ODI format for approximately 15 months owing to a dip in form, Hasan Ali finds himself back in the limelight. He has been chosen for the World Cup 2023 as a replacement for the injured Naseem Shah for the Asia Cup 2023. Many believe that if it wasn’t for Naseem’s misfortune, Hasan might not have made the cut.
A Bold Statement:
World Cup 2023: Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Hasan Ali didn’t waste time making headlines. He declared, rather audaciously, that “Indian batsmen are afraid of facing Pakistani bowlers.”
Fact Check:
Hasan’s claim requires a reality check. A mere glimpse at the recent past, precisely 10th September, will remind fans when Indian stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul dismantled the Pakistani bowling line-up. Whether it was Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, or even Naseem Shah, the Indian batsmen showcased their dominance, putting up a massive 356-run score.
Hasan’s On-Field Antics:
Hasan Ali is as much known for his antics and exuberant celebrations on the field as he is for his cricketing prowess. However, one cannot ignore his statistics. With 91 wickets from 60 ODIs, 60 wickets in 22 Test matches, and 78 scalps in 50 T20s, he has had a notable career. His last ODI outing was against the West Indies on 12 June 2022.
While mind games and statements have always been a part of the build-up to significant tournaments, it remains to be seen how such remarks play out on the field. As the World Cup 2023 draws near, cricket aficionados worldwide are eagerly awaiting the on-field showdowns, where words will be put to the test.