Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez has been ruled out of the limited-overs series against the West Indies owing to a calf muscle injury and is a doubtful starter for the Test matches in the United Arab Emirates next month.
Hafeez, who returned home from the England tour after the first one-day international due to the injury, has been advised three more weeks of rest.
“He is undergoing a rehab program at the national cricket academy but needs a further three weeks to make a complete recovery,” said Dr Mohammad Riaz, who is on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical panel.
Pakistan’s head coach, Mickey Arthur is believed to have taken a strong stand on sending Hafeez back to Pakistan from England after he complained off a calf injury just before the second one-day international after having failed again in the first ODI.
Arthur also played an instrumental role in having Hafeez dropped for the fourth and final test in England after the experienced all-rounder had struggled for form in the first three matches.
The national selectors are said to be unhappy with Hafeez’s reluctance to take a bowling assessment test with the ICC after his 12-month ban from bowling in international cricket.
A source close to the selectors told PTI that Hafeez could face problems securing a place in the Pakistan team again unless he took the bowling assessment test.
“The selectors believe that Hafeez’s utility to the team is only complete if he can bowl again. Because his batting form has not been impressive in recent months,” he said.
The source said that Hafeez has the backing of Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq but Arthur and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq aren't happy with his form.
Comments
SHARE