Stress fracture sidelines Usman for lengthy period

E-Paper | May 23, 2026

LAHORE: A career-halting stress fracture back is set to sideline Pakistan fast bowler Usman Khan Shinwari for next four to six months, a spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Saturday.

The 23-year-old bowler’s initial medical prognosis medical test revealed he has a fracture in his back, which will require lengthy rest to heal. It also means that that Usman will definitely miss the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in which he has a confirmed place in the Karachi Kings franchise, which retained him for the next edition.

Usman made the headlines with his sensational bowling figures of five for 34 against Sri Lanka in the fifth ODI at Sharjah on Oct 23.

Later, he played two T20 matches in the UAE against the islanders but pulled up injured during the second match and was forced to miss the final game at the Gaddafi Stadium last Sunday.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2017

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Sayyar Khan

Nov 05, 2017 10:33am

Good luck hope he recovers soon.

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Nov 05, 2017 11:02am

This is what happen when players don't take good care of themselves like Imran, Waseem & Waqar. They are unaware of pre and post match cautions and care as well as in general. IF he will be back he will not be having a long n full carrier. These injuries eat out the bowling action and run-up first and that is normally the end of fast bowlers carries.

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Robert

Nov 05, 2017 11:34am

Looks like some politics is happening to keep him out of the side

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Nov 05, 2017 12:18pm

Bad luck. However, keep on with your rehabilitation program on a persistent and consistent basis. Hopefully, you will be back soon.

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Junaid

Nov 05, 2017 02:58pm

This is really sad. Usman is a brilliant bowler. Perhaps not stretching and warming up properly before opening bowling is the issue? Either way he is only 23, get better and get stronger. A Long long career awaits you.

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Zem

Nov 05, 2017 03:13pm

Bring Sadaf Hussain

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ALI

Nov 05, 2017 03:22pm

So sad :(

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Junaid

Nov 05, 2017 04:43pm

From what one sees, Usman has a ripped upper body which is muscular. The issue might not be the back at all, but maybe he needs to strengthen his leg muscles to support his strong upper body.Play some football or ride a bike.

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Sherry

Nov 05, 2017 06:19pm

Injury prone Usman. He has always been one. But this time it may be even more debilitating for him since it is stress fracture back. He may never be able to bowl with brisk pace again but lets hope he comes back as he is now. Waqar, Bishop and Umar Gul are few bowlers to name who had the similar kinda injury in their career and they never remain the same bowler after that.

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LOUDSPEAKER

Nov 05, 2017 07:59pm

This is a bad news for Usman Shinwari and Pakistan cricke. Back injuries has ruined the career of many pace/medium pace bowlers in the past. Only Australia's Dennis Lilee was able to make come back to international cricket and performed well after undergoing long treatment for a serious back injury. Hope to see him in action after full recovery soon.

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Chaos

Nov 06, 2017 10:45am

Back Stress Fracture generally occurs due to over doing an incorrect bowling action. I had this during my teens when I used to bowl. The mechanism of bowling are pretty complex. The shoulder and hips should be aligned throughout the action, otherwise stress occurs while trunk rotation.

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Hasan

Nov 06, 2017 02:45pm

@Chaos His action is perfectly fine. Its more to do with the run up and the fact he is crouching when coming in that needs to be fixed. You cant correct an action, you can correct a run up. He should have his back straight and shoulders proud when running in, therewith lies the issue.

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