Ahead of Pakistan's mega clash against India in their opening match of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the Men in Green have suffered an injury blow after Shan Masood was hit on the head with the ball during their nets session. According to reports coming in from Australia, Masood was hit on the head by his teammate Mohammad Nawaz while the latter was batting.
He was lying on the ground for five to seven minutes before being taken to the hospital for further scans.
Masood was out of the national team for over a year before his performances in England's T20 Blast helped him work his way back into the national team. He made his return for Pakistan's home series against England, and then the Tri-series involving New Zealand and Bangladesh, before participating in the first warm-up match against England as well.
Who can replace him?
The ICC allowed teams to make changes to their squads till October 15, after which any changes needed prior approval of the apex world cricketing body. If the injury concern is not very serious, then Shan might still be involved in the tournament although concussion rules might keep him out of the mega clash against India.
In his absence, Fakhar Zaman might be included in the playing XI. Zaman was included in the 15-member squad in place of Usman Qadir, but the fight for Masood's place might go to Asif Ali and Iftikhar Ahmed in the XI. But the duo have not been at their best in the middle order.
Haider Ali is another prospect who played a crucial role in the final of the tri-series against New Zealand earlier this month. He is already a regular in playing the XI but it remains to be seen if he gets to bat at number three.
