Injured Maqsood out of NZ ODIs, T20s

Pakistan batsman Sohaib Maqsood has been ruled out of contention for the limited-overs series against New Zealand due to a wrist fracture he suffered while playing for Pakistan A last month. The PCB said Maqsood had suffered a wrist bone fracture and a small tear in one of the ligaments of the wrist and has been advised three weeks of rest.

"Sohaib Maqsood has been advised three weeks of relative rest after diagnostic investigations confirmed the initial suspicion of wrist bone fracture and a small tear in one of the ligaments of wrist," the PCB said in a press release. "Sohaib injured his wrist while playing for Pakistan 'A' against UAE last month. This injury will put him out of contention for selection in the T20I and ODI series against New Zealand."

The board also provided an update on opener Ahmed Shehzad who had been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand after suffering a minor skull fracture during the first Test in Abu Dhabi. Shehzad can commence physical workouts from next week but has been advised to avoid contact sports for six weeks. The opener does not need to undergo surgery and his fitness is expected to be assessed again on Monday.

"Presently he has mild tenderness over the fracture site. Also his mouth opening has improved considerably from the previously limited state," the PCB said. "He does not have any limitation of lateral excursion movement of lower jaw, which is expected following this injury. On inspection, there is no obvious asymmetry although there is mild swelling.

"It has been decided that he will be treated conservatively for this injury as surgery is required only for cosmetic reasons in such cases. A review has been planned on Monday. He has been advised to avoid contact sports for a period of six weeks but he can start his physical workout from next week."

The PCB also said fast bowler Wahab Riaz had made a complete recovery while Junaid Khan was still on the mend. Both quicks had suffered knee injuries. Wahab bowled 68 overs in two Quaid-e-Azam league games for National Bank and will appear for a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy next week, before being considered for selection. Junaid, meanwhile, will undergo an MRI review next week. Mohammad Hafeez, who was ruled out of the second Test due to a hamstring injury, is also recovering and had spent a few days at the National Cricket Academy on his rehabilitation. Hafeez had been reported for a suspect action after the Abu Dhabi Test and will have his action tested in Loughborough next week.