Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has expressed the team's eagerness for the swift return of fast bowler Naseem Shah, who missed the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup due to a shoulder injury sustained in the Asia Cup. Naseem, a pivotal figure for Pakistan, was not selected for the tour of Australia, and Azam acknowledged the team's sense of absence in his absence. There are concerns that the 20-year-old may also miss the 2024 Pakistan Super League.
Azam, reflecting on Pakistan's World Cup journey, highlighted their reliance on Naseem's contributions. Despite Azam's impressive personal performance in the tournament, Pakistan faced challenges, winning against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka but struggling in subsequent matches. The team will now embark on a tour of Australia, featuring three Test matches starting on December 14 in Perth.