Pakistan skipper Babar Azam will be without his trusted partner, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, for the final two T20Is against New Zealand.
Rizwan’s absence due to a hamstring injury leaves a void in the team’s lineup, adding to their challenges in the ongoing series.
During the third T20I clash against New Zealand, Rizwan experienced discomfort in his hamstring, prompting concerns about his fitness.
Following thorough medical assessments and consultation with the PCB Medical Panel, it was decided that Rizwan and emerging batter Irfan Khan would be rested for the upcoming matches.
Considering the nature of the injury, there are looming concerns over Rizwan’s participation in the upcoming series against Ireland, starting on 10 May.
Reacting to Rizwan’s injury, skipper Babar Azam expressed the team’s sentiments, acknowledging the significance of Rizwan’s contributions to Pakistan cricket.
Despite the setback, Babar remains optimistic about Rizwan’s recovery, hoping that he will be fit for the series against Ireland.
“Whenever a main player gets injured, a team misses him. The way he has served Pakistan and performances he has produced are in front of everyone,” Babar said in a presser ahead of the fourth T20I.
Babar Azam reassured fans that the team is committed to the rehabilitation of Rizwan, aiming for his timely return to the squad.
“It is not a major injury and we are trying to save him as much as we can. He will undergo rehabilitation at the NCA and I am confident he will get fit before the Ireland series,” he added.
Notably, Mohammad Rizwan is the third player to be ruled out of the Pakistan team due to injury in the ongoing series. Rizwan and Irfan Khan’s injury blow followed Azam Khan’s earlier withdrawal from the series due to injury.
Azam’s setback was compounded by a Grade One tear in his right calf muscle, necessitating a period of rest and sidelining him for the initial matches.
With the series against New Zealand finely poised at 1-1, Pakistan faces the challenge of regrouping without key players.
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