Hassan Ali replaces injured Muhammad Wasim Jr

Pacer Hassan Ali has replaced Muhammad Wasim Jr in the Pakistan’s squad for Asia Cup. Ali replaced Wasim Jr after the latter complaint of back pain during a practice session.

Wasim has been released from the squad and will be out of action for three weeks. He is suffering from side strain. Hassan Ali who was earlier excluded from the squad eventually makes his way back into the team. His exclusion from the team was a visible omission that came under discussion on social media after the team for Netherlands tour and Asia Cup was announced.

Wasim had complained of back pain during a net session in the ICC Academy in Dubai on Thursday. The cricketer was taken for MRI scan immediately. On Friday, it emerged that the cricketer has been ruled out of the squad. A specialist also reviewed him. Team’s main physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon is working with Shaheen Shah Afridi who is also out of the team due to a knee injury; though he is with the family.

PCB had confirmed that the team management had asked for Hassan as a replacement for Wasim. Pakistan’s current bowling attack consists of Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani and Naseem Shah.

Inexperienced Naseem, unpredictable Rauf and Hassan Ali.

We are doomed.

— Abdullah (@michaelscottfc) August 26, 2022

It's time for redemption , we will see a different HASSAN ALI in this asia cup 👊! pic.twitter.com/2DllzvajDA

— Asad Abdullah (@asad_qureshi257) August 26, 2022

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Hassan Ali was primarily removed from the team after he put up average performances. He was been asked to get in form. The cricketer was preparing for the National T20 beginning from August 30^th. With a twist in event, Hassan Ali is now back in the Asia Cup squad. He had been training at the PCB’s high-performance center in Lahore after being dropped from the team.

Fans have expressed mixed views on his comeback in the team. Some believe Hassan Ali can strengthen the bowling attack of Pakistan while others are doubtful if he will put up some match-winning performances.