Pakistan team management has decided to restrict tall paceman Mohammed Irfan to only ODIs and T20s, keeping in mind preparations for the next year’s World Cup.
“Head coach Waqar Younis, who himself has been a fast bowler, has made it clear to Irfan that he should just work on his fitness and training at National Cricket Academy (NCA) till the next domestic season starts in September”.
Injury-prone Irfan was stopped from participating in any Ramazan tournament as Waqar called him back to the national cricket academy to concentrate on fitness.
Irfan said that he had been told that the Pakistan management had prepared a proper schedule for him and he would only be playing in the one-dayers and T20 matches in future. “I have been inftoormed that I will make my return to the Pakistan team for the home series against Australia in October and before that I should just train and work on my fitness,” he added.
A PCB source said the team management had decided that Irfan could play a key role for Pakistan in the World Cup and should be nursed through accordingly. “He is injury-prone and has had fitness issues and the feeling is, it is best if he is kept for the shorter format of the game,” he added.
Irfan has not played for Pakistan since last October when he suffered a hairline fracture in his hip bone while playing against South Africa in the UAE. (APP)