PAK v NZ T20Is: Babar Azam ruled out with a thumb injury

Pakistan were dealt with another blow as Babar Azam, the Pakistan skipper has been ruled out of the T20I series against the Kiwis with a right thumb injury. Just a day before, opener, Imam-ul-Haq fractured his left thumb. Babar Azam’s injury means he is also a doubt for the test series against New Zealand.

“Babar suffered the injury during a throw-down session, following which he was taken to a local hospital where X-rays confirmed the fracture,” the Pakistan Cricket Board stated in a release on Sunday (December 13). “As a result, he will be unable to attend nets for, at least, 12 days. During this period, the doctors will continue to monitor Babar’s injury before confirming his participation in the first Test.”

In Azam’s absence, Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s vice captain might lead the team against the Kiwis in the T20I series. However, Shadab also carries a minor groin niggle, which limited his participation in the practice session on Sunday to just batting. The leg spinner had missed the Zimbabwe series due to the same injury.

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“Decision on his participation in the Auckland T20I will be made closer to the match,” the release added. “It is hugely disappointing to lose a player of Babar Azam’s calibre for the T20Is, this opens up opportunities for the other highly talented and exciting players to step-up, understand their responsibilities and try to prove that the Pakistan side is a complete package,” said Misbah ul Haq, Pakistan’s head coach.