LAHORE: Sohaib Maqsood has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 due to a lower back injury and has been replaced by veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik.
Sohaib underwent MRI scans for the lower back on Thursday after picking up the injury during 6 October match against Northern and consequently missed 7 October match against Central Punjab.
Chief selector Muhammad Wasim said on Saturday: “Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he had worked hard for the event and was in sparkling form. We feel for him, but injuries are part and parcel of the sport.
“I am sure after undergoing rehabilitation, he’ll fully recover to be available for future assignments.
“In his place and following discussions with the team management, we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the side. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad.”
Shoaib Malik captained Pakistan in the inaugural event in 2007 and was a member of the side that won the tournament in 2009. After missing the West Indies event in 2010, he featured in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 tournaments.
The Pakistan squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 will depart for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 15 October. They will play two warm-up matches against the West Indies and South Africa on 18 and 20 October, respectively before taking on India in a Group-2 fixture on 24 October at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.—APP
