NZ vs PAK: Fractured thumb rules Babar Azam out of T20Is

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. A fracture on the right thumb puts him in doubt for the Test series as well.

“Babar suffered the injury during a throw-down session, following which he was taken to a local hospital where X-rays confirmed the fracture,” an official release from the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Sunday (December 13).

Babar’s freak injury comes only a day after another Pakistani batsman, Imam-ul-Haq fractured his left thumb. With Babar out, vice-captain Shadab Khan is set to lead Pakistan in the three-T20I series starting December 18. However, Shadab is also carrying a slight niggle in his groin.

“Decision on his participation in the Auckland T20I will be made closer to the match,” the release stated.

“Disappointing to lose Babar”

The Pakistani skipper will continue to recuperate from his injury and won’t be able to attend net sessions for the next 12 days. In the meantime, doctors will continue to monitor his progress before they give Babar the green signal for the first Test.

“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.

Interestingly, should the doctors deem Shadab unfit, he too will not be able to play in the T20I series.

“The medical team is monitoring Shadab Khan’s groin niggle and we remain optimistic that he will be available for the T20Is, but we will neither risk him nor the team’s chances if we think he needs a few more days to be back to his complete fitness.”