Concussion rules Shoaib Malik out of the T20I series against New Zealand

Malik was not wearing a helmet when he was struck by Colin Munro's throw during the fourth ODI.

Malik was hit on the head by a Colin Munro throw and suffered a delayed concussion | AFP

Veteran Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik was asked to fly back home on Saturday (January 20) as he suffered a concussion during the fourth ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton on January 16. The 35-year-old was not wearing a helmet when he was struck by Colin Munro's throw.   

It meant that Malik will not be part of the team for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting on Monday (January 22).

“Pakistan Tour Management Committee, consisting of Team Manager Talat Ali, Head Coach Mickey Arthur and captain Sarfraz Ahmed held a meeting with Pakistan team physiotherapist Vib Singh and Malik to discuss his participation in the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand starting from January 22,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) press release read on Saturday.

“The committee reviewed the expert advice it received from the top medical consultants in New Zealand after conducting all necessary medical tests of Malik  and decided, after briefing PCB management, to send him back from New Zealand. The committee was of the opinion that it would give him the best chance to recuperate from the symptoms of delayed concussion he is currently showing,” it further stated.

Pakistan cricket team physiotherapist, Vib Singh, also clarified in his statement that the all-rounder needs at least 7 to 10 days to be deemed as match fit.

“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 Singh.

The Tour Management Committee during the meeting also decided not to draft in any replacement for Malik in the three-match T20I series.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 21 Jan, 2018

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