Malik ruled out of New Zealand T20I

 

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik was asked to fly back home after showing symptoms of delayed concussion, a Pakistan Cricket Board press release said on Saturday.

The all-rounder was hit on the head during the fourth ODI against New Zealand in the five-match series which Pakistan lost 5-0.

“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,” the press release read.


It further added: “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.”

Singh clarified Malik’s position further in his statement saying the all-rounder needs at least seven to 10 days to be 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 call up any replacement for Shoaib Malik for the T20I series.