Injured Khurram Shahzad may take months to return to national squad
It is feared that he will not be able to play cricket this entire season
December 22, 2023
- During first Test, Shahzad reported feeling uneasy on his left side.
- PCB will decide on a final player management protocol.
- Khurram Shahzad to continue his rehabilitation at NCA.
Pakistan pacer Khurram Shazad is feared to miss this entire cricket season because of an abdominal muscle tear and a stress fracture in his left 10th rib that he suffered during the Perth Test, The News reported Friday, citing the player's medical reports.
According to the publication, he will be lucky if he can get well enough to be considered for selection for the T20 World Cup in June 2024.
Earlier the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Shahzad will not play the ongoing Test series against Australia.
During the first Test, Khurram Shahzad reported feeling uneasy on his left side. Following his complaint, Khurram was sent for an MRI scan after the match.
After speaking with an expert in Australia, the PCB will decide on a final player management protocol. He will then be sent to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation.
Back-to-back injuries in the Pakistan squad has created problems for the team management. Earlier, Abrar Ahmed was ruled out of the first Test against Australia due to a leg injury.
Captain Shan Masood's side is already depleted in attack, with injured quick Naseem Shah sidelined and Haris Rauf having opted out of the series to play in Australia's T20 Big Bash League.
Shahzad's injury is another blow for Pakistan ahead of the second test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which starts on Tuesday.
Shahzad debuted in international Test with the December 14-17 Perth match against Australia. The 24-year-old took five wickets on debut in the 360-run loss to the Aussies.
