Islamabad (27/08 – 20.00) After Shaheen Afridi, yet another Pakistan pacer has been ruled out of the 2022 Asia Cup.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Friday, 26 August that Mohammad Wasim has been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a side strain that he picked up during the practice session on Wednesday.
The youngster underwent an MRI scan after being assessed by the medical staff and the diagnosis confirmed the side strain.
Veteran pacer Hasan Ali has been named as the replacement, pending approval from the Event Technical Committee.
The statement released by PCB further said: “The findings were discussed with the PCB Medical Advisory Committee, while an independent review by a specialist physiotherapist was also sought. The medical team will closely monitor Wasim’s rehabilitation and his return to competitive cricket will be reassessed before the England tour to Pakistan.”
After the Asia Cup, Pakistan are set to welcome England for a seven-match T20I series, which will be followed by the tri-series against Australia and New Zealand. Pakistan will be hoping Wasim can recover in time and get in the groove for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia in October.
Wasim’s injury further wounds Pakistan’s pace attack, which will be without Shaheen Afridi who was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury that will keep him on the sidelines for four-six weeks. Afridi was the star the last time Pakistan faced India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 but will miss the services of the left-arm pacer when they clash on 28 August in the Asia Cup.