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The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is on the horizon, set to begin in India in just a few days. Teams around the globe are gearing up for the tournament, with warm-up matches scheduled to commence on September 29, allowing players to acclimatize to Indian conditions. As anticipation builds, various teams have started revealing their squads for the upcoming mega event.
Pakistan announces World Cup 2023 squad with Hasan Ali inclusion
The Pakistan cricket team have unveiled its squad for the upcoming global showpiece event, sparking both anticipation and surprise among fans and pundits. The team’s management and selectors have decided to make a significant change by including experienced bowler Hasan Ali in place of the injured Naseem Shah. This decision has raised eyebrows and ignited discussions among the cricket fans.
A shift in strategy
Notably, Pakistan had a challenging run in the Asia Cup 2023, prompting the selection committee to reevaluate its strategy and player lineup. Naseem’s shoulder injury during the Asia Cup played a pivotal role in the decision to bring Hasan back into the fold. While Hasan did not feature in the continental cup, his inclusion is viewed as a move towards leveraging his experience in high-pressure ICC events.
Also READ: Cricket Australia unveils jersey for ODI World Cup 2023 in India
Hasan Ali’s recent ODI absence
Hasan’s last appearance in a One Day International (ODI) game for Pakistan dates back to June 2022. The fixture was held in Multan, where Pakistan faced the West Indies. Since that encounter, the 29-year-old has not represented the national team in the 50-over format. This extended hiatus from ODI cricket has raised questions about his readiness and form as he returns to the international arena on the grand stage of the quadrennial event.
Fans’ reactions and memes on Hasan Ali’s inclusion
The decision to include Hasan in place of Naseem has generated a mixed response among cricket enthusiasts and fans on social media. Some have questioned the move, considering the Pakistani speedster absence from recent ODI matches. This decision has even led to the creation of humorous memes as fans express their opinions through creative and often satirical means.
Here are some of the funniest memes:
Inzimam Justifying Hasan Ali’s inclusion in world cup squad. #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/i9htTlBqkD
— Joun M Ali Raza (@ijounaliraza) September 22, 2023
Hasan Ali is back in the Pakistan's Worldcup Squad 😭🤣pic.twitter.com/O4KpsipAzQ
— K ♡ (@sarphiribalika_) September 22, 2023
Babar choosing to play Hasan Ali every tournamentpic.twitter.com/NdHrQFihw3
— F (@falahtah) September 22, 2023
A crazy selector, a crazy management, a crazy captain will pick Hasan Ali, I don't understand why Hasan Ali has been picked. His performance has been absolutely terrible in the past. These crazy people are selecting him for the World Cup. Show your performance on such a big https://t.co/qmloqQkDrX
— ج (@_Qaiyss) September 22, 2023
Welcome Back Hasan Ali 🤩🤗#CWC23 #ICCWorldCup2023 #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/2Cuu0Rb3tg
— 𝙕𝙀𝙀𝙈𝙊¹⁰ (@Zemo6_ICTIAN) September 22, 2023
Hasan Ali making his entry into WC squad:#CricketWorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/YhweTfKVO2
— Bilal Ahmed (@HBA_162) September 22, 2023
Hasan Ali getting selected in Pakistan Squad out of nowhere pic.twitter.com/QONOPuRB6L#INDvsAUS #Pakistansquad #CWC23 #WorldCup2023
— ICT Fan (@Delphy06) September 22, 2023
PCB management telling Hasan Ali he's selected in WC squad: pic.twitter.com/4GnwmnE8DF
— Bilal Ahmed (@HBA_162) September 22, 2023
Hasan Ali replaces Naseem shah in world cup. pic.twitter.com/059qmkCjoh
— Jedi, you look lonely. (@HassanRonaNhi) September 22, 2023
Hasan Ali is like Ravi Ashwin of Pakistan, literally pops out of Nowhere directly in the WC Squad https://t.co/uu9FBKGvEk
— Shashank❁ (@DevilNotFound9) September 22, 2023
World Cup 2023 campaign
Pakistan’s campaign in the World Cup 2023 is set to commence on October 6, with their first group stage match against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.