Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has slammed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the injury New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra suffered during the first ODI of the tri-nation series. Played at the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on February 9, Ravindra was hit on the face while attempting to take Khushdil Shah's catch towards deep backward square leg. Ravindra was immediately escorted off the field. Latif feels that it was because of the LED light's incorrect adjustment, Ravindra could not spot the ball and then get his hands up in time.
"There is an issue in the LED light. It has more glare and sometimes it is hard to spot the ball when it is coming flat to you," Latif told Nauman Niaz.
The incident took place in the 38th over of the innings. As Ravindra got hit flush on the face, he started bleeding and there was a pin drop silence at the Gaddafi stadium. The physio rushed to the field and helped Ravindra cover the affected area with a towel.
Lahore will host the next match of the tri-nation series as well. New Zealand will go up against an inexperienced South African side comprising of several debutants as senior players were busy playing in the SA20 2025.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) provided an update on Ravindra's injury. There is a concern over his further participation in the tri-nation series.
"Ravindra was forced from the field after being struck in the forehead by the ball attempting a catch in the 38th over," a New Zealand Cricket statement said.
"He sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground, but is otherwise well. He came through his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes."
Earlier, Ravindra scored 25 runs from 19 balls including five fours. Abrar Ahmed cut-short his innings in the eighth over of the innings. He bowled three overs and conceded 14 runs.
Ferguson injured too
New Zealand already have injury concerns as their star pacer Lockie Ferguson had a strain in hamstring while leading Desert Vipers in the ongoing ILT20 2025. He played in the Qualifier 1 but missed the second. It is yet to be seen whether he will be fit to play in the ILT20 2025 final against David Warner's Dubai Capitals on February 9 or not.