Babar Azam ruled out of T20I Series , Shadab to lead the Side

JUST IN: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand.

The star batsman fractured his right thumb during a training session 

Shadab Khan, who has a groin niggle, is set to lead Pakistan for the T20Is against New Zealand in Babar Azam's absence 

 

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has fractured his right thumb in training on Sunday and has subsequently been ruled out of action for 12 days. That means he will not be available to play the three T20Is that kick off the team's tour of New Zealand starting December 18.

A PCB press release said Azam picked up the injury while facing throwdowns. He was then taken to a hospital in Queenstown where X-rays revealed the extent of the damage, prompting a period of rest and rehabilitation.

The PCB release said: "During this period, the doctors will continue to monitor Babar's injury before confirming his participation in the first Test, which starts at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on 26 December,"

Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq said: "Injuries are part and parcel of professional sport and while it is hugely disappointing to lose a player of Babar Azam's calibre for the T20Is, this opens up opportunities for the other highly talented and exciting players to step-up,"

Misbah said about his legspinning lynch pin: "We remain optimistic that he will be available for the T20Is,but we will neither risk him nor the team's chances if we think he needs a few more days to be back to his complete fitness."