Pakistan call up Dahani, Zaman in Asia Cup after Haris, Naseem suffer ‘niggles’

Published September 12, 2023
A photo of fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani bowling a delivery. — PCB/File
A photo of fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani bowling a delivery. — PCB/File

Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan were called in by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the Asia Cup after pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up “niggles” in the match against India, the board said on Tuesday.

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul hit unbeaten centuries to lead India’s 228-run thrashing of Pakistan in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup on Monday’s reserve day.

Kohli (122) and Rahul (111) put together 233 runs as India reached 356-2, a total defended after they bowled out Pakistan for 128 in the 50-over contest in Colombo.

Pakistan ended on 128-8 in 32 overs with injured bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah not turning out to bat. India spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 5-25.

Coach Bradburn, while speaking to the media after the game, stated that the humbling was a “timely reminder” for the team to get their act together before next month’s World Cup.

According to a press release issued on Tuesday, Dahani and Zaman have been called up after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah “picked up niggles” in the match against India.

Rauf suffered a strain on Sunday and did not take field when play resumed on day two. Later in the match, fellow quick Naseem walked off with some discomfort to his hand.

The PCB said it was “only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month”.

“Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel,” the press release said.

The cricket board stated that replacements from the ACC technical committee will only be requested if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days.

Opinion

Editorial

Petrol shock
Updated 08 Mar, 2026

Petrol shock

With oil markets bracing for more volatility, more price shocks are inevitable in the coming weeks.
Women’s Day
08 Mar, 2026

Women’s Day

IT is a simple truth: societies progress when women are able to shape them. Yet the struggle for equality has never...
Rescuing hockey
08 Mar, 2026

Rescuing hockey

PAKISTAN hockey is back to where it should be. Years of misses came to an end on Friday with a long-awaited...
Limiting the damage
Updated 07 Mar, 2026

Limiting the damage

Govt plan to revive a range of Covid-era steps reflect a recognition that early restraint can limit disruptive interventions.
Diplomatic option
07 Mar, 2026

Diplomatic option

WITH Operation Ghazab lil Haq underway for over a week now, Pakistan has demonstrated that it can take firm action...
Polio, again
07 Mar, 2026

Polio, again

ANOTHER child has fallen victim to polio, this time in Sindh. The National Institute of Health this week confirmed...