PAK vs ENG: Naseem Shah ruled out of series after testing positive for COVID-19

Pakistan's fast bowling sensation Naseem Shah has hit a turbulent phase after his success in the 2022 Asia Cup as the young pacer has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against England after testing positive for Covid-19. The Pakistan Cricket Board broke the news via an official statement on Thursday.

Naseem Shah featured for the Men in Green in the opening fixture of the series in Karachi before being rested for the remaining games at the venue. The 19-year-old was ruled out of the fifth T20I in Lahore after he was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday night and was diagnosed with a chest infection and fever.

The youngster was discharged from the hospital on Thursday with the PCB stating that the cricketer was feeling “much better.” The PCB then revealed that Naseem was diagnosed with Covid-19 and will miss the remaining two T20Is against England.

“Shah is back in the team hotel where he will follow all COVID-19 protocols,”  the PCB said in an official statement. 

Pakistan will be on a flight to New Zealand after the conclusion of the ongoing T20I series against England

It is worth noting that Naseem Shah has been spearheading the Pakistani pace attack in the absence of the mercurial Shaheen Afridi, who is recuperating from an injury. The board has not spoken on the availability of the young pacer for the impending tour of New Zealand, which is scheduled to get underway in Christchurch on the 7th of October. 

The Asian giants will leave for New Zealand after the conclusion of the ongoing series against England on October 3. They will participate in the T20I tri-series, featuring Bangladesh and New Zealand with the final on October 14. The series is part of the team's preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.

Following the tri-series, the subcontinent side departs for Australia for the World Cup. They will indulge in a couple of warm-up games before starting their campaign in a blockbuster clash against arch-rivals India at the MCG on the 23rd of October. Shaheen Afridi is slated to feature for the Pakistani team in the T20 WC.