Hasan Ali, once a standout performer following his exceptional display in the 2017 Champions Trophy, has seen a decline in his cricketing journey over the last four years.

The setback came when Naseem Shah, a pivotal component of Pakistan’s fast bowling attack alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, suffered a shoulder injury during the 2023 Asia Cup. This injury ruled Naseem out of the forthcoming World Cup, scheduled in India.

Naseem’s absence created a void in the Pakistan pace arsenal, a significant blow given his instrumental role in Pakistan’s record-breaking feat of bowling out an opposition in the Asia Cup through the collective prowess of their fast bowlers. His proficiency with the new ball and his effectiveness in finishing off the tail had made him indispensable.

With Naseem no longer available, Pakistan faced the daunting task of selecting his replacement for the World Cup. Their choice fell upon Hasan Ali, who had risen to prominence by earning the Player of the Series accolade in the 2017 Champions Trophy.

This decision prompts an essential question: was Hasan Ali’s inclusion in the World Cup squad a well-considered move, or did circumstances compel Pakistan’s hand?

Hasan Ali’s journey since the 2019 World Cup has been a rollercoaster ride. After an expensive outing against India at Old Trafford in Manchester during the World Cup, where he conceded 84 runs in a single league match, Hasan Ali endured a prolonged absence from ODI cricket, only returning after a hiatus of 21 months.

His comeback featured a notable five-wicket haul against England at Lord’s, marking his reentry into the 50-over format. However, his consistency wavered, and he made sporadic appearances, often vanishing from the ODI scene.

Since the 2019 World Cup, Hasan Ali has participated in a mere seven ODIs, accumulating nine wickets at an average of 42.44. Apart from the standout performance against England, his contributions have been modest, raising doubts about his suitability for a major tournament like the World Cup.

In the face of these challenges, Pakistan found themselves with limited options, as chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq acknowledged during the squad announcement. Inzamam conveyed a sense of helplessness, citing the injury woes of several fast bowlers, including Naseem Shah.

Inzamam, however, showed faith in Hasan Ali, highlighting his impressive performances for the Dambulla Aura in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023. Hasan Ali claimed eight wickets, including two three-wicket hauls, in just five matches, rekindling hope in his capabilities.

The paucity of viable alternatives made Hasan Ali an apparent choice. Pakistan’s fast bowlers have picked up 197 wickets since the 2019 World Cup, with the lion’s share (78.68 percent) attributed to Rauf, Shaheen, Naseem, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. The rest of the fast bowlers, including Hasan Ali, have contributed significantly fewer wickets.

Inzamam cited the urgent need to find a bowler who could partner Shaheen Shah Afridi with the new ball, and Hasan Ali seemed to fit the bill. His ability to make an impact with both the new and old ball, coupled with his team-oriented approach and energetic presence, weighed in his favor.

Hasan Ali’s career trajectory has been marked by numerous hurdles over the past four years, including a pivotal dropped catch during the T20 World Cup semi-final in 2021. With his selection for the World Cup, Hasan Ali now faces the challenge of reigniting his international career on one of cricket’s grandest stages.