Azam Khan ruled out of NZ T20I series with calf injury

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has been sidelined from the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand due to a calf muscle tear.

The injury, confirmed by radiology reports, has led to a ten-day rest period advised for Azam Khan.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Azam Khan will depart from the squad and head to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore for rehabilitation under the PCB medical panel’s supervision.

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The issue arose during his pre-match training session ahead of the first T20I, which was shortened due to rain.

Despite his recent struggles in international T20s, with only 29 runs in eight matches, Azam Khan’s explosive batting in domestic leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has kept him in contention for a spot in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad.

His strong performances for Islamabad United in the PSL and Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL have bolstered his credentials.

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With the T20 World Cup on the horizon in June, Pakistan is reshaping its squad, welcoming back experienced players like Mohammad Amir and potentuially Imad Wasim, both of whom have impressed in the CPL.

Following the conclusion of the New Zealand series on April 27, Pakistan’s preparations for the World Cup will continue with seven additional matches, including fixtures in Ireland and England.