Pakistan cricket team head coach, Saqlain Mushtaq, has claimed that Shaheen Shah's absence from the Asia Cup 2022 squad will hurt Pakistan.

The left-arm pacer was earlier ruled out from the tournament due to a knee injury he picked up during the Test series against Sri Lanka.

The medical staff advised 4-6 weeks of rest to the pacer which meant that he would miss the T20I series against England along with the entirety of Asia Cup 2022.

"Shaheen’s absence from Asia Cup will hurt the team," he said in an interview with this reporter. ”Shaheen is currently the top performer in international cricket. He has proven himself all over the world."

Pakistan team management announced Mohammad Hasnain as Shaheen's replacement for the tournament while there were rumors that Hasan Ali might accompany the national team.

However, Hasan Ali's recent performances has forced the pacer out of the national squad.