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'Eats With Babar, That's Why…' - Md. Asif Alleges 'Lobbying' in Hasan Ali's WC Selection

image-lmvjsga0Babar Azam with Hasan Ali | Source: X.com

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif has raised eyebrows with his recent comments about Hasan Ali, the right-arm pacer who replaced Naseem Shah in the 2023 ICC World Cup Pakistan squad.  

According to Mohammad Asif, the Pakistan selectors' decision to include Hasan Ali in the squad was influenced by his association with their clique, which includes captain Babar Azam and other players.  

“Hasan Ali is part of the lobby, he eats with Babar Azam and other players. He is in the team because he is part of the lobby, this used to be the case when we used to play too. A lobby doesn't select players from outside,” Mohammad Asif was quoted as saying.



Pakistan on Friday announced their squad for the 2023 World Cup, with Naseem Shah being ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury. Hasan Ali, the right-arm pacer who last featured in an ODI match back in June 2022, made a return to the squad as Naseem's replacement.  

Naseem Shah suffered a shoulder injury in a recent Asia Cup clash against arch-rivals India. Hasan, returning to the squad, has played in 60 ODIs and was a member of the Pakistan team in the 2019 edition of the prestigious tournament. 

The Pakistan chief selector and former captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, also expressed his confidence in Hasan Ali's ability to rise to the occasion in the absence of Naseem Shah. He also shared that they selected Hasan Ali because they believe he, like Naseem Shah, can take wickets at any stage of the game.