Pakistan's ace fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been ruled out of the World Cup on Tuesday after the seven foot tall left-armer failed to recover from a “stress fracture in the pelvis”.
Irfan had undergone a MRI scan a day earlier. The radiologist’s report showed a stress injury of the pelvis.
Brad Robinson, Pakistan's physiotherapist, later asked for a detailed scan which confirmed an obvious injury of serious nature.
“This injury rules Irfan out of the World Cup,” Robinson said.
The left-armer suffered a recurrence of his hip injury during Pakistan's crucial game against South Africa but managed to complete the match, playing a pivotal role in the 29-run victory.
He was ruled out of the next game against Ireland, a must-win encounter for both sides. Though Pakistan emerged unscathed from the battle, it will be a major blow for Misbah-ul-Haq to lead without the firepower of Irfan against tournament-favourites Australia.
However, the Pakistani think tank has decided to wait till the outcome of Friday's quarter-final against Australia before asking the selection committee for a replacement.
The development would be a bitter pill for Pakistan to swallow who are already without the services of key bowlers Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul and Junaid Khan for the World Cup.
According to the Pakistan captain, the pace trio Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan and Mohammad Irfan had filled the void left by the absence of the stars bowlers brilliantly and were instrumental in keeping the Greenshirts alive in the World Cup.
