Pakistan captain Babar Azam ruled out of New Zealand T20Is

QUEENSTOWN: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand after suffering a fracture in his right thumb during Sunday morning's practice session.

Babar suffered the injury during a throw-down session, following which he was taken to a local hospital where X-rays confirmed the fracture, stated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a media release.

As such, he will be unable to attend nets for, at least, 12 days, meaning he will not be available for the December 18, 20 and 22 T20Is to be played in Auckland, Hamilton and Napier, respectively.

During this period, the doctors will continue to monitor Babar's injury before confirming his participation in the first Test, which starts at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on December 26.

Babar suffered the injury a day after Imam-ul-Haq had fractured his left thumb also during a throw-down session. Imam had also been advised a 12-day rest, which confirmed his non-availability for the Pakistan Shaheens' four-day match against New Zealand 'A', which starts in Whangarei on Thursday.

As with Babar, the doctors will continue to monitor Imam's injury before confirming his participation in the first Test. IANS

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