MELBOURNE: Pakistan’s top-order batter Fakhar Zaman will not play in the nation’s inaugural T20 World Cup 2022 encounter against India.
At the pre-game press conference on Saturday, captain Babar Azam confirmed the situation.
Fakhar Zaman won’t be ready for our opening game since he isn’t totally fit, according to Azam.
Zaman had landed awkwardly on his right knee while fielding at the ACC T20 Asia Cup final in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced last month. He hasn’t totally recovered from that wound yet.
Shan Masood will likely remain in the one-down position for Pakistan after the left-hander was given the all-clear to play against India.
“Shan Masood passed all the exams and is in good health. Tomorrow won’t be a problem for him, Azam said.
After being struck on the head during a practise session on Friday, Pakistani batsman Shan Masood only suffered “superficial bruises.”
On Sunday in Melbourne, Pakistan will start their campaign against their bitter rivals, India. A errant shot from Mohammad Nawaz that hit Masood in the head and left him lying flat on the ground before being sent to the hospital for scans gave the squad cause for concern as it warmed up for the game.
“Shan Masood made no abnormal neurological observations. Where the ball struck him, just minor bruising is visible on his CT scan “In a statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board stated.
The PCB noted that “He will be re-tested (Saturday)” for concussion.
Since making his T20 debut in September, Masood, 33, has scored two half-centuries for Pakistan in 12 matches. He is regarded as a technically proficient top-order batsman.
Images shared on social media showed Masood being surrounded by Pakistan players and team personnel, with an upset Nawaz knelt by him.
In the T20 World Cup last year, Pakistan, under the leadership of Babar Azam, defeated India and advanced to the semifinals.
