PAK vs NZ: Pakistan's star wicketkeeper-batter ruled out of T20I series after tearing calf muscle

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PAK vs NZ: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan after suffering a Grade One tear in his right calf muscle. The development was confirmed in an official press release by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, April 20.

As per the release, the discomfort in Azam's right calf was first noticed during batting practice in the pre-series training session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The 25-year-old Islamabad United star will be heading to National Cricket Academy in Lahore for rehabilitation.

Image Courtesy: Azam Khan Instagram

"Azam Khan has been advised to undergo a 10-day rest following radiology reports confirming a Grade One tear of his right calf muscle. Consequently, Azam will be unable to participate in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, which culminates in Lahore on April 27," the PCB release said.

"Azam will now depart from the Pakistan men’s cricket team and report to the National Cricket Academy, where he will commence his rehabilitation process under the supervision of the PCB medical panel," it added.

Since making his debut for Pakistan in 2021, Azam Khan has played a total of eight T20I matches, and scored 29 runs at an average of 4.83 and a strike rate of 90.62. His last appearance for Pakistan came back in January this year.

In the PSL 2024, Azam Khan played 12 matches and scored 226 runs at an average of 25.11 and a strike rate of 171.21. On the night of the final, Azam Khan scored match-winning 30 runs off 22 balls.

After the series against New Zealand, Pakistan are scheduled to play three T20Is in Ireland, and four in England. Pakistan will kick off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against the USA on June 6 in Dallas. They will face India on June 9 in New York.