Khurram Shahzad missed the final day of the Test series against Bangladesh due to pain and stiffness on his left side. However, Pakistan has received a significant fitness boost as Shahzad appears to have dodged a major injury. This development brings relief to the team, as Shahzad’s potential recovery is crucial for their future matches. His return would be a valuable addition, providing much-needed strength and depth to Pakistan’s squad.
Khurram Shahzad Likely to be Available for England Series:
During the final day of the recent Test series, Khurram Shahzad was sidelined with pain and stiffness, as Bangladesh secured a six-wicket victory and a 2-0 series win in Rawalpindi. Despite this setback, Shahzad had an impactful series, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker.
He played a key role in the first innings, helping reduce Bangladesh to 26 for 6 with career-best figures of 6 for 90. However, his performance waned in the second innings, where he managed just 1 for 40 from seven overs.
After the match, Khurram Shahzad underwent scans for pain and stiffness on his left side. Fortunately, the results have confirmed there is no fracture, and doctors have recommended a short rest period. With this diagnosis, Shahzad is expected to recover in time and be available for the upcoming Test series against England next month.
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Shahzad’s side injury raised significant concern due to his recent injury history. Last December, during his debut in Perth, he suffered a stress fracture of the rib, sidelining him for several months. He made his comeback only for the two Tests against Bangladesh last month, having been out of action in first-class cricket since the Perth injury. This latest issue has been particularly worrisome given his recent recovery.
Pacer’s Injury Became Concern for Pakistan:
As a result of his injury, Shahzad will miss the Champions One-Day Cup starting next week. Pakistan is focusing on his recovery ahead of the first Test against England, scheduled to begin on October 7 in Multan. He will undergo another MRI scan next week to assess his progress. Given Pakistan’s recent struggles with fast bowler injuries, losing Shahzad would be a significant setback they are keen to avoid.
Recent long-term injuries to Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Hasan Ali, and Ihsanullah have put the PCB’s medical department under intense scrutiny. An internal review earlier this year harshly criticized the handling and treatment of Ihsanullah’s injury, leading to Dr. Sohail Saleem’s resignation as chief medical officer on the same day. The review’s scathing remarks highlighted serious concerns about the management of player injuries and overall medical care.
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