Pakistan stalwart Shoaib Malik has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand and is all set to fly back home.
The 35-year-old had suffered a concussion in the fourth ODI at Wellington against the hosts after being hit by a wayward throw from Colin Munro while not wearing a helmet.
The player had been put under observation and is said to be showing signs of delayed concussion after a review by top medical consultants in New Zealand.
“Shoaib Malik suffered a delayed concussion, when he was hit on the head by a wayward throw during the ODI in Hamilton. He has been making good progress since suffering the delayed concussion and is showing daily signs of improvement. He has been advised to rest a minimum of seven to ten days for the concussion to resolve,” team physiotherapist Vib Singh said on Saturday.
Malik was struck on the head by Munro’s throw during the fourth ODI.
“The decision was made to give him the best chance to continue aiding his prognosis and that he should return home to recover in a familiar and comfortable environment”, he added.
Pakistan will not be flying in a replacement for Malik in the T20I series. Sarfraz Ahmed’s men have not had the best of starts to 2018 after being whitewashed 5-0 in the ODI series.
They will be hoping for a change in fortunes in the T20I series though losing the experienced Malik will be a big blow to their chances.
The first of the three T20Is between the two sides gets underway on Monday at Wellington.