'All neurological observations normal' - PCB gives update on Shan Masood's injury ahead of India clash

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed that their key batter Shan Masood has cleared the tests after being struck on the head during a practice session ahead of their T20 World Cup 2022 opener against arch-rivals India. A stray shot from all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz hit Masood on the head which floored him instantly and the batter was sent to the hospital for scans.

Shan's injury was indeed a last-minute shocker for Pakistan as they do not have too much depth in their middle-order batting which has been exposed time and again in the Asia Cup 2022 and the subsquent home T20Is against England. 

Shan Masood's CT scan only shows superficial bruising: PCB

“All of Shan Masood’s neurological observations are normal. His CT scan only shows superficial bruising where the ball struck him,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

“He will be re-tested (Saturday)” for concussion, the PCB added.

After being awkwardly struck on his head by Nawaz's shot in the nets, Shan Masood reportedly laid flat on the ground for five to seven minutes. Meanwhile, the social media posts showed horrific images of the Pakistani players gathering around the number three batter to check on him. 

Should Shan not be a 100% fit for the blockbuster clash against India on Sunday, October 23 at the MCG, then the Pakistani team management will be left with no choice but to go for a replacement option and one of them happens to be the senior batter Fakhar Zaman.

Other available options include youngster Haider Ali and Khushdil Shah who have not been able to showcase consistency in the middle order for a while. 

Nonetheless, Pakistan would be hoping that Masood makes it to the playing XI just in time as he can give some much needeed assistance to skipper Babar Azam and in-form Mohammad Rizwan by playing an impactful knock at the number three position. 

The Men in Green would be hoping to register a second straight win over the arch-rivals in T20 World Cup. They broke their 29-year World Cup jinx in the previous edition in Dubai with an emphatic 10-wicket victory.