Pakistan will open their campaign against arch-rivals India on October 24 in Dubai.
Sohaib underwent MRI scans for the lower back on Thursday (October 6) after sustaining the injury during the match against Northern and consequently missed Friday’s game against Central Punjab.
“Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he had worked hard for this event and was in sparkling form. We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the sport. I am sure after undergoing rehabilitation, he’ll fully recover to be available for future assignments,” chief selector Muhammad Wasim in a statement.
“In his place and following discussions with the team management, we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the side. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad.”
Shoaib Malik captained Pakistan in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and was a member of the side that won the marquee event in 2009. After missing the showpiece tournament in 2010, he appeared in 2012, 2014 and 2016 editions.
The Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2021 will depart for UAE on October 15. They will open their campaign against arch-rivals India on October 24 in Dubai.
Pakistan Squad:
Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shoaib Malik
Reserve Players – Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir
(With PCB inputs)