Hamstring injury trims Irfan's England outing, will miss remaining matches

Published September 3, 2016
Hasan Ali will replace Mohammad Irfan for the one-off T20 against England next week. —AFP
Hasan Ali will replace Mohammad Irfan for the one-off T20 against England next week. —AFP

KARACHI: Fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan on Saturday was ruled out of the remaining England tour because of the hamstring injury he sustained during the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against England at Headingly, Leeds.

Making his ODI return after a hiatus of eight months, the tall left-armer bowled a daunting five-over-long opening spell to dismiss both England openers at 12.5 apiece.

Read: Fourth ODI: Bairstow, Stokes half-centuries give England 4-0 lead

Irfan, however, could not return for a second spell, as spasms in his left and right calf denied him from bowling.

The 34-year-old was named in the 13-member squad for the one-off Twenty20 International against England on Sep 7 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Following the injury, the team management requested to retain Hasan Ali as a replacement for Gentle Giant which was subsequently entertained by the country's cricket board.

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur admitted, after the penultimate ODI on Thursday, that he was 'frustrated' to see Irfan's fitness.

To a question regarding the left-arm bowler, Arthur said: "It's very frustrating. There were checks and balances in place [regarding Irfan's fitness].

"He was put on standby when we selected our one-day squad, he went to the national academy and did his training."

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...