England vs Pakistan: Shadab Khan ruled out of the one-off T20I and ODI series

Pakistan, earlier this week, announced the 15-man squad for the upcoming World Cup. Apart from his team, they added a couple more players to the squad for the series against England which precedes the mega event. Both the teams are scheduled to play a one-off T20I and the five-match series next month. However, the Men in Green have been dealt with a serious blow just before leaving for the United Kingdom.

The key member of the team, leg-spinner Shadab Khan has been ruled out of the series as a virus was detected in his body which will require treatment and rest for around four weeks. This is a huge blow for Pakistan who were looking at the England series as a vital practice ahead of the World Cup which is set to begin on May 30.

PCB statement

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the news in its official statement. Despite the injury, Shadab Khan will travel to England with the team and will be treated there itself in order to try and recover quickly ahead of the World Cup.

“Wrist spinner Shadab Khan has been ruled out of the series against England after tests revealed a virus that will require treatment and rest for, at least, four weeks. The Pakistan Cricket Board will now set-up Shadab’s appointment with specialists in England to help him fully recover before Pakistan’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 opener against the Windies on 31 May at Trent Bridge,” the statement read.

The replacement is yet to be announced for him even as Shadab’ World Cup ambitions might take a hit now. If he is ruled out of the mega event, Pakistan will be without their key bowler who has more often picked wickets in the middle overs and has been an important part of the team in the last couple of years.

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