Pakistan speedster Mohammad Wasim Jr pulled up with back pain during a practice session in Dubai, and is at risk of missing the team’s Asia Cup 2022 opener against arch-rivals India on August 28.
With premier paceman Shaheeh Shah Afridi having been already ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022 with an injured knee, Pakistan have now suffered another blow as Wasim is reported to have damaged his back during a training session in Dubai.
Wasim, who celebrated his 21st birthday on August 25, reportedly complained of pain in his lower back during a practice session at the ICC Academy. The right-arm quick, who had been a part of each of the team’s three training sessions since arrival, is said to have undergone an MRI scan.
He has bagged 17 wickets at an average of 15.88 and an economy of 8.10 from 11 T20Is till date, since his debut in July 2021. The injury scare does present concerns for Pakistan in terms of their pace attack, with Afridi already unavailable for the Asia Cup as well as the seven-match home T20I series against England in September. Afridi had picked up the injury while fielding in the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle last month.
Head coach Saqlain Mushtaq, though, is confident of a young attack coming good in the competition.
“Since the last few years, these three have been executing the plans and demands of the Pakistan team really well,”
Mushtaq said in a press conference, per NDTV.
“The captain, me as a head coach and the entire support staff have confidence in their abilities. Shaheen used to lead the attack, but these three also on a given day or situation can change the game.”
Pakistan will face India at the Dubai International Stadium on August 28.
