LAHORE: While medium pacer Wahab Riaz has been cleared from the knee injury, middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 and ODI series against New Zealand, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Rest of the cricketers like Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez and Junaid Khan facing fitness issues are still required to get fitness certificates.

“Wahab Riaz seems to have completely recovered from his knee injury. He has so far bowled more than 60 overs in the last two first-class games he has played for his department in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy,” the health bulletin issued by the PCB on certain injured players stated on Saturday.

“Wahab will appear in a fitness test next week at the National Cricket Academy before being considered for limited-overs series against New Zealand in the UAE.”

On Sohaib Maqsood, the PCB stated: “Sohaib has been advised three weeks of relative rest after diagnostic investigations confirmed the initial suspicion of a wrist bone fracture and a small tear in one of the ligaments of wrist. Sohaib injured his wrist while playing for Pakistan ‘A’ against the UAE last month. This injury will put him out of contention for selection in the T20 and ODI series against New Zealand.”

About Ahmed Shehzad, who is suffering from a injury sustained in first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, is yet to be cleared for play.

“Shehzad was examined by Prof Abid Ashar, maxillofacial surgeon on Nov 19 in Lahore, with regards to the injury sustained by him during the first Test against New Zealand about 10 days ago.

“Clinicoradiological examination showed fracture of a part of his right cheek bone (zygomatic arch).

“Presently, he has mild tenderness over the fracture site. Also his mouth opening has improved considerably from the previously limited state. He does not have any limitation of lateral excursion movement of lower jaw, which is expected following this injury. On inspection, there is no obvious asymmetry although there is mild swelling.

“It has been decided that he will be treated conservatively for this injury as surgery is required only for cosmetic reasons in such cases. A review has been planned on Monday. He has been advised to avoid contact sports for six weeks but he can start his physical workout next week,” the bulletin added.

Hafeez, who has left for the UK to appear for a bio-mechanic test after being reported for a suspect bowling action in the first Test against Kiwis, is covering speedily from the hamstring injury.

“Hafeez is recovering very well from his Grade 1 hamstring strain injury sustained during the first Test against New Zealand. Hafeez spent two busy days in his rehabilitation at the NCA before proceeding for Loughborough, UK, early on Saturday (today) for getting officially tested on suspected illegal bowling action.”

About Junaid, the PCB pronounced: “Junaid is also recovering very well from his knee injury. Apart from his usual pool and gym workout he has now started running also. Junaid will undergo his MRI review and consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon during the next week.”

Published in Dawn, November 23th , 2014