COLOMBO: The availability of batter Salman Ali Agha for the upcoming match against Sri Lanka remains uncertain following an injury sustained during the Pakistan-India clash, revealed sources on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah's fitness raises concerns, casting doubt on their participation in the next Asia Cup 2023 game.
Agha endured a blow to the face when he top-edged a sweep off Ravindra Jadeja in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match. The batter was taken to hospital after the match where the doctors dressed his nose.
As per sources, Salman Ali Agha's presence in the lineup against Sri Lanka is in doubt, with Saud Shakeel potentially stepping in to fill his position in the starting XI.
Providing an update on Agha's condition, the team management stated that while his face is swollen, he is showing signs of improvement.
Update on Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah
Meanwhile, Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India.
"This is 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," the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Monday.
"Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel. The team management will only request a replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days."
Pakistan will play Sri Lanka on September 14 in Colombo.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Salman Ali Agha
