Karachi: Pakistan suffered yet another setback when their fast bowler Junaid Khan not only ruled out from the two forthcoming one-day clashes against New Zealand due to thigh injury but his participation in the World Cup is also doubtful.
Pakistan authorities have confirmed left-arm quickie Junaid would be replaced by Bilawal Bhatti for the matches in New Zealand Jan 31 and Feb 3.
Junaid was injured in a fall during training last week, complaining of pain in his right thigh and elbow.
"On re-examining Junaid's condition, Pakistan's physiotherapist Brad Robinson and PCB's head of medical and sports sciences Sohail Saleem concurred that he had not recovered sufficiently from the traction injury of the nerve in the posterior right thigh and recommended recuperation at the NCA," a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson said in a statement Saturday.
"Subsequently the left-arm fast bowler was withdrawn from the New Zealand tour."
Pakistan's chief selector Moin Khan, however, said Junaid would rejoin the World Cup squad if he recovered on time.
Pakistan are already without their ace spinner Saeed Ajmal who is banned after his bowling action was found illegal. All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez's contribution as a bowler too is uncertain in the World Cup because he has yet to get a clean chit from ICC over his suspect bowling action.
