Injury scare for Pakistan ahead of match against India; pacer Wasim down with back pain

Aug 26, 2022

Injury scare for Pakistan ahead of match against India; pacer Wasim down with back pain Image

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's top left-arm bowler, is out of the Asia Cup 2022 owing to a right knee injury, while he is still present with the team as part of his recovery. 

Young bowler Mohammad Wasim fell ill with back problems during a training session on Thursday, giving the Babar Azam-led team a concern ahead of their match against India on Sunday. 

Wasim, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Thursday, reportedly complained of lower back soreness during Pakistan's bowling practise at the ICC Academy. Since Pakistan's arrival in the United Arab Emirates, Wasim, who has amassed 17 wickets in 11 T20 Internationals since making his debut last year, has participated in all three training sessions (UAE).

"He is thought to have had an MRI scan. Given the quantity of cricket they will play leading up to the T20 World Cup in Australia this October–November, the PCB decided to get the scan as a preventative measure "the report stated. 

Pakistan will host England for seven Twenty20 Internationals from September 20 to October 2 following the conclusion of the Asia Cup. Before they travel to Australia for the Men's T20 World Cup in October-November, they will play in a triangular series in New Zealand with Bangladesh as the third team.

If they advance to the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, which will be played at stadiums in Dubai and Sharjah, they might play in five matches over the course of 12 days. Group A includes Pakistan, Hong Kong, and India. 

Other quick bowlers for Pakistan include Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Haris Rauf. 

In the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan have previously faced off 14 times. India, who has won the Asia Cup seven times, has an advantage over their traditional opponents since they have won eight games, lost five, and had one game end in a tie.