On the debut match at the T20 Vitality Blast, Shadab Khan, the Pakistani all-rounder representing Sussex County Cricket Club, was injured in a severe collision with teammate Nathan McAndrew.
The mishap occurred while the duo attempted to field a ball during their match against Somerset.
The incident occurred on the fourth ball of the seventh over, when Somerset’s Tom Kohler-Cadmore sent a top-edge high above the extra cover, leading Shadab and McAndrew into a race for the catch. The game paused for ten minutes as medical staff tended to the injured fielders.
Shadab was promptly taken off the field for further observation after he underwent a concussion protocol. Meanwhile, McAndrew completed his remaining four overs post-medical attention and a concussion protocol assessment.
Providing an update on Shadab’s condition, Sussex’s head coach, Paul Farbrace, mentioned that the all-rounder was nursing a “sore neck” but was overall in stable condition. However, Farbrace cited the doctors’ recommendation to sideline Shadab for the rest of the game as a precautionary measure.
Farbrace emphasized, “Both players are alright, and that’s the most important thing.” He reassured him that despite the accident’s severity, both players were now in good health.
Due to his injury, Shadab could not bowl, leaving Somerset an open path to pursue the 184-run target. Shadab scored 9 runs, including a six, from eight deliveries in the first innings.
Shadab is one of the nine Pakistani players participating in this year’s Vitality Blast, which kicked off last week. The tournament is in its 21st edition and was the first specific T20 league when it was introduced as the Twenty20 Cup in June 2003
