Pakistan suffered a fresh jolt with the experienced allrounder being ruled out of the World Cup after he fractured his knee during the nets in Lahore.
KARACHI: The beleaguered Pakistan team suffered a fresh jolt on Tuesday with experienced allrounder Abdul Razzaq being ruled out of the World Cup after he fractured his knee during the nets in Lahore. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced that Razzaq would require upto four weeks’ rest and he would be replaced by Azhar Mahmood in the 15-member Caribbean-bound squad.
“Razzaq was hit on the knee during a nets session which left a fracture,” media manager Pervez Mir said. “Razzaq is out and Azhar Mahmood comes in his place. It is something we were not expecting but these things happen,” he said.
The veteran of 229 one-day internationals was to appear in his third World Cup but has been struggling in recent days for form and fitness.
He also missed the recent Test series in South Africa due to an elbow injury. “I am simply devastated. One moment we are practicing and planning for the big tournament and next moment doctors tell me I am out of it,” Razzaq said. “It is hugely disappointing for me to go out this way,” said the 27-year-old player.
Pakistan is already struggling with the fitness and other issues with fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, their pace spearheads.
Both are presently in London to undergo medical treatment for their knee and elbow injuries but sources have confirmed their issue is related to them not being able to clear dope tests for the tournament and they are unlikely to feature in the event.
However, there was some good news for Pakistan when young fast bowler Umar Gul was cleared after being out of action for two months with an ankle injury.
“Gul has passed fitness tests and will be going to the World Cup,” Mir said.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}