Muhammad Hafeez out of World Cup after ankle injury

Former captain advised to rest for at least three weeks

Opener Mohammad Hafeez was ruled out on Sunday of the World Cup after suffering an ankle injury, in yet another blow to the team before the mega-event.

The 34-year-old suffered the injury during the second one-day international against New Zealand in Napier last week and has been advised to take three weeks' rest.

"Hafeez has been ruled out of the World Cup and will return home with the first available flight and in his place Nasir Jamshed has been summoned," a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson told AFP.



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The latest injury is the fourth major blow for Pakistan before the 14-team World Cup which starts in Australia and New Zealand on February 14.

Paceman Umar Gul was not selected because of a knee injury in January, while another fast bowler Junaid Khan had to be withdrawn from the 15-man squad after he failed to recover from a leg injury.

Spinner Saeed Ajmal withdrew from the squad after he failed to correct his bowling action which was deemed illegal last September, although the International Cricket Council said Saturday he had been cleared after retesting.

Pakistan play their first match against India in Adelaide on February 15.

PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan has confirmed that Nasir Jamshed will be replacing Hafeez in the World Cup but will not be playing in the match against India.