As a massive blow for the Pakistan cricket team, seasoned all-rounder Shadab Khan has been ruled out of the remainder of the South Africa tour and the succeeding tour of Zimbabwe.
The 22-year-old spinner will be sidelined for up to four weeks after sustaining the injury while batting during the second ODI in Johannesburg, which South Africa won by 17 runs to level the three-match series.
Pakistan Cricket Board revealed that X-rays after the match showed an ‘intraarticular communicated fracture’; however, there exists no displacement or angulation. PCB further stated that the injury shall be treated conservatively and the all-rounder will have a four-week rehab.
“Shadab Khan has been ruled out from further participation on the South Africa and Zimbabwe tours after suffering a left toe injury while batting during the second One-Day International that has sidelined him for up to four weeks,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in an official statement.
Shadab also announced his injury and being ruled out of the tours on Twitter.
“I am working very very hard and giving it my all, I have not been able to perform at the level I want to but hard work will InshAllah pay off,” he wrote, saying he hoped to “bounce back and win matches for Pakistan”.
He urged his fans to pray for him and thanked them for their support. Shadab, who is Pakistan’s vice-captain in white-ball cricket, remained wicketless in the two ODIs against South Africa and scored 33 and 13 runs in the two games.
The third one-dayer will take place in Centurion on Wednesday followed by four T20Is. Pakistan will travel to Zimbabwe for three T20Is and two Test matches beginning on April 21.