Shoaib Malik ruled out of T20I series against New Zealand

WELLINGTON: Star all-rounder Shoaib Malik has been ruled out of Twenty20 International series against New Zealand on recommendation of medical consultants.

Pakistan Tour Management Committee, consisting of Team Manager Talat Ali, Head Coach Mickey Arthur and Captain Sarfraz Ahmed, held a meeting with Pakistan Team Physiotherapist, Vib Singh, and Shoaib Malik to discuss his participation in the upcoming 3 matches T20I series against New Zealand starting from January 22 till 28.

A Pakistan Cricket Board press release stated that the committee reviewed the expert advice it received from the top medical consultants in New Zealand after conducting all necessary medical tests of Shoaib Malik has decided, after briefing PCB management, to send him back from New Zealand.

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The committee said that it should give him the best chance to recuperate from the symptoms of the delayed concussion he is currently showing.

“Shoaib Malik suffered a delayed concussion when he was hit on the head by a wayward throw during the ODI in Hamilton.

“He has been making good progress since suffering the delayed concussion and is showing daily signs of improvement. He has been advised to rest a minimum of seven to ten days for the concussion to resolve. The decision was made to give him the best chance to continue aiding his prognosis and that he should return home to recover in a familiar and comfortable environment”, said Pakistan team physiotherapist.

The committee during the meeting also decided not to call up any replacement for Shoaib Malik for the T20I series.

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