Shadab Khan ruled out of first Test against New Zealand

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has been ruled out of first Test against New Zealand after suffering thigh injury.

Shadab suffered thigh injury following the conclusion of his side’s four wickets victory in the third T20I in Napier on Tuesday.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday said that “Shadab will now undergo MRI scans in Tauranga on Thursday, following which a further update on the exact nature of the injury and time needed to return to competitive cricket will be provided.”

Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar has been included in the squad in place of Shadab in its 15-member squad for the first test, starting at Mount Maunganui from Saturday.

Zafar was in Hamilton preparing with the Pakistan Shaheens for Sunday’s T20 match against the Northern Knights.

Shadab’s injury is the third major blow to Pakistan.

Earlier Babar Azam and Imamul Haq were ruled out after suffering from fractured thumbs.