The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued an update on the health status of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Irfan Khan, confirming their absence from the final two T20Is against New Zealand.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the PCB Medical Panel disclosed that they have received the Radiology reports for both players. Following a thorough review of the reports in consultation with the Pakistan team management, it has been decided to rest Rizwan and Khan for the upcoming T20Is scheduled for Thursday and Saturday against New Zealand.
“The two players will undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the PCB Medical Panel at the National Cricket Academy (NCA),” the statement further elaborated.
Rizwan experienced discomfort in his hamstring during the third T20I against New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Sunday, marking the onset of his injury setback.
This development marks the third significant setback for the Pakistani team, as Azam Khan was the first player to be ruled out of the series prior to the first T20I. He reported discomfort in his right knee and right calf muscle, subsequently undergoing a radiology test confirming a Grade One tear in his right calf muscle. As a result, he was advised a rest period of 10 days.
In light of Azam’s absence, wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah was named as his replacement.
The remaining two T20Is of the series are scheduled for April 25th and 27th, respectively. With the series currently tied at 1-1, the absence of Rizwan and Khan poses a challenge for the Pakistani team as they strive for victory in the upcoming matches.
Pakistan Team
Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan, Haseebullah
Reserves: Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
New Zealand Team
Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi, Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes.
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