Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand due to begin on Friday (December 18) with an injury.
Babar, world's No.2 batsman in ICC T20I rankings, fractured his right thumb while practising on Sunday (December 13).
A statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Babar "suffered the injury during a throw-down session, following which he was taken to a local hospital where X-rays confirmed the fracture."
"As such, Babar will be unable to attend nets for, at least, 12 days."
The injury won't allow Babar to take part in the T20Is to be played on the 18th, 20th and 22nd December, with the statement mentioning that during the period of rehab, "the doctors will continue to monitor Babar’s injury before confirming his participation in the first Test" which starts on the Boxing Day (December 26) in Mount Maunganui.
In Babar's absence, vice-captain Shadab Khan is expected to step up and lead the side, but the wrist-spinner is himself a doubtful starter as he also carries a "groin niggle" and was only present shortly for the Sunday's practice session.
"He had missed the Zimbabwe T20Is due to a similar injury and decision on his participation in the Auckland T20I will be made closer to the match," the PCB said.
