Mohammad Irfan not in need of hip surgery

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan's latest medical report has indicated that he does not need surgery for his injured hip and could be a chance for the 2015 World Cup. Irfan's hairline fracture seems to have healed after six weeks of rehab and he has started training at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, where he was not bowling at full tilt but seemed to be enjoying being back in action.

The PCB is organising a month-long summer camp and Irfan will be invited to rebuild his fitness. "He [Irfan] isn't available immediately for national selection as yet but we have made a plan for him ahead of 2015 World Cup," Mohammad Akram, the NCA head coach, told ESPNcricinfo. "We are targeting the one-dayers against Australia and New Zealand for him later this year to give him the required tempo."

Irfan, 31, has been sidelined since he injured his hip during the second T20 international against South Africa in Dubai in November 2013. After six weeks of rehab following the hairline fracture, Irfan made a swift return during the domestic Twenty20 Cup in Rawalpindi, but only aggravated the injury, resulting in to more fractures to his hip.

Since then, Irfan has been at the NCA, working with doctors on a specialised rehab programme. If he had failed to show enough progress the PCB could have flown him to Australia for surgery.

Irfan's height - 7'1" - made him the tallest person to play Test cricket. He was given a debut in 2010 but could not hold down a spot in the team because of fitness issues. Irfan managed his longest international streak in the UAE in 2013, when he bowled 65.5 overs in two Tests against South Africa and 13 overs in a game against UAE. In the last four years, Irfan played four Tests, 27 one-day internationals and seven T20s.