Breaking: Pakistan Team Suffers big Jolt
Breaking: Pakistan Team Suffers big Jolt
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and opener Imam-ul-Haq were on December 21 ruled out of the upcoming first Test against New Zealand with thumb injuries, prompting the tour selection committee to include rookie Imran Butt in the 17-member squad.
The Boxing Day Test is scheduled to be played in Mount Maunganui from December 26-30.
While Babar fractured his right thumb, Imam injured his left thumb during training sessions in Queenstown last week.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board, both the batsmen are yet to return to the nets and the team’s medical staff was closely monitoring their progress.
“Decision on their participation in the second Test, which commences in Christchurch on 3 January, will be made closer to the time,” the PCB said.
In Babar’s absence, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will lead Pakistan in the first Test and will become his country’s 33rd Test captain.