Picture Credit: PCB
Sohaib Maqsood has been ruled out of Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad due to a back injury. The absence of Sohaib Maqsood will be a big blow to Pakistan's T20 World Cup preparations as the in-form batsman looked in good touch ahead of the Pakistan's T20 World Cup. He had also performed well in domestic cricket as well as Pakistan Super League. In the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he scored 538 runs in eight matches for Southern Punjab, which included a century and five fifties, at an average of 44.83.
The 34-year-old had suffered a back injury in the National T20 Cup after which he was immediately taken for an MRI. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Najeeb and Physio Cliffe Deacon both assessed Maqsood's injury and recommended that the batter needs bed rest. Sohaib was making a comeback to Pakistan's national team but unfortunately won't be able to do so.
Shoaib Malik replaces Maqsood
Sohaib Maqsood will be replaced by veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik in the Pakistan squad. Malik is the second-highest run-scorer for Pakistan in T20I cricket and has scored 2335 runs in 116 T20I matches. Notably, Malik also captained Pakistan in the inaugural event in 2007 and was a member of the side which won the tournament in 2009.
Chief selector Muhammad Wasim commented, “Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He had worked hard for this event and was in sparkling form. We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the sport. I am sure after undergoing rehabilitation, he’ll fully recover to be available for future assignments."
“In his place and following discussions with the team management, we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the side. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad,” Wasim concluded.
