MELBOURNE: Pakistan’s cricket team is grappling with a deepening injury crisis as off-spinner Abrar Ahmed became the third player ruled out of the second Test against Australia on Sunday.
Abrar Ahmed, who missed the previous Test in Perth due to leg discomfort, has not recovered sufficiently to participate in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne. This setback compounds Pakistan’s injury concerns following the hospitalization of spinner Noman Ali, who was diagnosed with acute appendicitis, ending his participation in the three-match series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the situation, stating, “Considering the nature of the injury and the workload required from a spinner in a Test match, Abrar is not yet ready and will therefore not be available for the second Test.” A preliminary fitness test is scheduled for December 25 to determine his potential return-to-play date.
PCB Includes Mohammad Nawaz in Pakistan Squad
In response to these setbacks, the PCB announced the inclusion of Mohammad Nawaz as a replacement for Abrar Ahmed. The team is already grappling with the absence of pace bowler Khurram Shahzad, who sustained a stress fracture in the ribs along with an abdominal muscle tear after an impressive debut in Perth.
Pakistan faces a mounting challenge as they navigate the remaining Tests against Australia, with injury concerns impacting both spin and pace bowling options.
