Pakistan’s Sohaib Maqsood was on Saturday ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup due to a lower back injury and was replaced by veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik.
Maqsood was ruled out of the tournament after failing an MRI scan of his lower back.
Maqsood, who was in the 15-man squad, was injured during a match for South Punjab against North during the National T20 Cup at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 6 October.
MRI scans of the area showed that he would need time to complete his rehabilitation program.
“Sohaib has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he worked hard for the event and was in excellent form,” chief selector Muhammad Wasim said in a Pakistan Cricket Board release.
“We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the game. I am sure that after rehabilitation he will make a full recovery and will be available for future work.
“In his place and after discussions with the team management, we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the team. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will come in handy for the entire team.”
Malik was the captain of the team in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and was a member of the team that lifted the trophy in 2009. He also played in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 editions.
But he hasn’t played for Pakistan since England Last year’s tour prompted the selectors to pick a young player initially.
This is not the first time that Maqsood has faced fitness issues before a series or tour.
The Multan batsman had struggled in the national event for South Punjab and scored two consecutive half-centuries only after deciding to step down as captain and open the innings, but overall, his form in the tournament was inconsistent.
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