Ahead of Pakistan's first T20I against New Zealand on April 18 (Thursday), star wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan was battling with discomfort in his right knee and calf. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the news on the day of the national team's first T20I against the Blackcaps. The PCB announced that Azam is being looked after by the medical team and the final decision will be taken after the test reports are revealed.
"During Wednesday's training session, Azam Khan experienced discomfort in his right knee and right calf muscle while batting in the nets. He promptly received medical attention and treatment. Azam is currently under the care of the medical team, and a decision regarding his participation in the upcoming matches against New Zealand will be made pending the results of radiology reports. The PCB will provide further updates in due course," the PCB said in a statement.
Big loss for Pakistan
Azam Khan is widely known for his explosive stroke-making ability. The 25-year-old has displayed his mettle in the shortest format of the game while playing franchise cricket across the world. Surprisingly, the powerful right-handed batter has yet to showcase his skills on the biggest stage. In 8 T20Is he has played for Pakistan thus far, Azam could only aggregate 29 runs at a strike rate of 90.62.
Azam's numbers in T20s reveal how decimating the right-handed batter could be on any given day. In the shortest format of the sport, Azam has a strike rate of 147.56 in 160 matches. The right-handed wicketkeeper-batter has scored 3,183 runs with the help of one century and 16 half-century.
Pakistan fans would hope that the injury to Azam is not serious and that he could be a part of the playing XI at some point of time in the series. The Men in Green and the Blackcaps will lock horns in a five-match series, scheduled to conclude on April 27.
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