Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan was ruled out of next month’s series against England with a virus, making him a doubtful starter for the World Cup.

The 20-year-old is a key layer for Pakistan but has now been ruled out for nearly a month, with the leggie set to receive treatment in the UK.

“Shadab’s blood tests have revealed (a) virus and doctors have advised him a four week rest,” PCB said in a statement.

“Shadab is out of the five-match one-day series against England and a Twenty20 match (also against England),” the statement added.

The Pakistan team will play a five match ODI series against top-ranked England from May 5. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq described Shadab’s loss as “bad news”, hoping he recovers in time for the World Cup.

Later, PCB announced leg-spinner Yasir Shah as replacement for Shadab. Yasir played all five one-days against Australia in the UAE but generally struggled, taking just four wickets.