Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of their upcoming tour of New Zealand after he failed to recover in time before the squad’s departure. The opener is now in isolation in the team hotel but has returned a negative COVID test.
Pakistan will the playing four Tests and three ODIs between December 10-January 07. This will be the side’s first series under their new skipper Babar Azam. He was announced the captain of all formats earlier by the PCB.
Fakhar Zaman Ruled Out Of New Zealand Tour
Pakistan announced a 35-member squad for the series along with 15 officials taking the number to 50. The squad will first assemble in Dubai and stay in a two-week quarantine period before leaving for Auckland.
“Fakhar’s covid test report was received on Saturday which came out negative but today he picked up fever,” team doctor Sohail Saleem said.
“As soon as his condition was reported, he was isolated from the rest of the squad in the team hotel. We are constantly monitoring his condition and remain hopeful of his quick recovery; however, he is not fit to travel with the squad and as such has been withdrawn from the touring party” he further added.
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Mohammed Rizwan has been named as the vice-captain of the side. Meanwhile, PCB has axed senior player Asad Shafiq from the squad. Shadab Khan has been named the vice-captain for the T20I series with Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Amir dropped from the side.
Meanwhile, PCB announcing Babar Azam as the captain in all formats proves a new dawn for Pakistan Cricket. He was instrumental in leading Karachi Kings to their PSL title earlier this month. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani confirmed the appointment following a meeting with Azhar on Tuesday (November 10).
“Babar Azam was identified at a very young age as a future leader and as part of his progression and development, he was appointed white-ball captain last year. With his consistent performance and leadership skills, he has demonstrated that he is ready to take on the additional responsibilities of a captain” Mani said.
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