Injury and suspension ravaged Pakistan suffered another blow as pacer Mohammad Irfan was ruled of the World Cup. The left arm pacer failed to recover from a pelvis injury.
Irfan has undergone a MRI scan earlier in the week, the report showed s stress injury. On the request of Pakistan physiotherapist Brad Robinson a detailed scan was carried out which confirmed that Irfan’s injury is of serious nature.
The tall fast bowler suffered a recurrence of his hip injury during Pakistan’s match against South Africa but managed to complete the match, playing an important role in Pakistan’s victory claiming three wickets.
Irfan will now return to Pakistan, however, the team management has not yet asked for a replacement. According to sources a replacement will only be sent if Pakistan reaches the semi-final stage. Muhammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul and fit again Junaid Khan are among the likely replacements.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq lamented Irfan’s loss and said that the pacer provided Pakistan with a unique option as he is different from all other pace bowlers in the team.
Pakistan lost spinners Muhammad Hafeez and Saeed Ajmal due to suspension, fast bowlers Umar Gul and Junaid Khan were both ruled out due to injury.