Shoaib Malik ruled out of Twenty20 series

ISLAMABAD: All-rounder Shoaib Malik has been ruled out of the three-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand. The first match will be played on Monday (tomorrow).

The Pakistan team’s tour management committee, consisting of team manager Talat Ali, head coach Mickey Arthur and captain Sarfraz Ahmed, held a meeting with physiotherapist Vib Singh to discuss Malik’s participation in the series.

The committee reviewed the expert advice it received from the top medical consultants in New Zealand and all necessary medical tests of Malik, it has decided to send him back from New Zealand.

The committee was of the opinion that it should give Malik the best chance to recuperate from the symptoms of the delayed concussion he is currently showing.

“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. 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,” said Pakistan team physiotherapist Vib Singh.

The tour management committee during the meeting also decided not

to call up any replacement for Malik for the Twenty20 series.