LAHORE: Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand and will be sent home.
The left-handed batsman was injured two weeks ago during a practice session in Queenstown when a ball hit his left hand’s thumb. Pakistan team management has decided to send Imam back home as the batsman is expected to take longer to recover. He will leave for Lahore from Auckland on Sunday.
Imam, along with captain Babar Azam, was ruled out of the ongoing first Test in Mount Maunganui after both suffered thumb injuries. A medical team is examining the recovery of both players closely. However, the board confirmed that Imam will not be participating in the second Test.
Babar Azam is currently recovering from an injury and no decision has been made on his participation in the scheduled match.
Earlier on Saturday, PCB also announced that all-rounder Shadab Khan has been ruled out for six weeks and will miss the second Test match against New Zealand.
“Shadab Khan will miss the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch and the home series against South Africa after being advised a six-week rest following MRI scans confirmed injury to the left thigh,” the statement read.
The second and final Test between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played on January 3-7 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
