Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler Junaid Khan was ruled out of the upcoming World Cup after failing to pass his fitness test, he said earlier today.
Junaid suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg after he slipped and fell while bowling during the third day of the national training camp at the Gaddafi Stadium before Pakistan’s departure for New Zealand.
Junaid was one of the senior bowlers in Pakistan’s pace attack, which includes Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz, and up-and-coming Ehsan Adil.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t pass the fitness test. But perhaps this was God’s will. My prayers are with the Pakistan team,” Junaid tweeted.
The development comes as a blow to Pakistan who are already without the services of the suspended ace strike bowler Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez as well as the injured Umar Gul for the World Cup.
Bilawal Bhatti, who replaced Junaid for Pakistan’s two-match series against New Zealand, is expected to fill his place in the World Cup squad as well.