Pakistan cricket team tour of New Zealand has not commenced smoothly as it has been hectic since the moment Pakistanis have arrived on New Zealand’s soil. Firstly, 8 players were been Covid-19 positive cases in their camp. Players were not allowed to train in isolation, after which the government of New Zealand intervened in the matter and warned of canceling the tour. Finally, the tour started, and Pakistan faced another big blow in their away series.
Pakistan cricket team received a massive drawback when their skipper and key batsman Babar Azam picked up a thumb injury during a practice session ahead of the New Zealand vs Pakistan series. The scans confirmed the fracture which resulted in him being ruled out of the T20 series, starting from 18th December in Auckland.
Azam has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against the Black Caps, which started on December 18 in Auckland. Also, PCB is not sure about Azam for the upcoming two Test matches. Pakistan Cricket Board issued a statement “World’s second-ranked T20I batsman suffered the injury during a throw-down session, following which he was taken to a local hospital where X-rays confirmed his fracture.”
Ramiz Raja Slams the Kiwis
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s former cricketer Ramiz Raza blamed the New Zealand authorities for not providing proper training centers to the Men in Green. He also blamed the poor condition of the practice grounds in New Zealand for the injury sustained by Babar Azam. The prolific batsman had injured his right thumb during the throw-down session and the X-yays in a local hospital had confirmed a fracture.
Inzamam-Ul-Haq: Babar Azam Will Be Out For First Test Too
Pakistan’s legendary batsman, Inzamam-Ul-Haq believes that Azam will likely miss the first test match of the tour as well.
“Doctors have advised 12 days rest to Babar, so he won’t be able to practice till December 25 and the first Test starts on December 26. In addition to that, he has only practiced for two days before that as well, so he has been out of practice for a whole month. It will take him at least six to seven days to get back in form. Hence, he is out of the first Test match as well,” Inzamam said on his YouTube channel.
With Kane Williamson returning for Test matches, Pakistan will suffer a huge blow by not having Babar Azam in the middle order and as a captain.
