LAHORE: Pakistan's bowling attack suffered another setback ahead of the World Cup with Junaid Khan failing to recover in time to travel to New Zealand for a short series which was being seen as a warmup for the mega event.

According to chief selector Moin Khan, Junaid has been replaced with Bilawal Bhatti for the New Zealand tour.

The inclusion of Bilawal Bhatti for the ICC World Cup 2015 squad shall be contingent on his performance in the four scheduled matches in New Zealand as well as Junaid Khan’s recovery, Moin said.

“If Junaid recovers fitness, he will join the World Cup squad”, said Moin Khan.

“After the injury report of Junaid Khan by the team physio [Brad Robbinson] that he will not be able to travel to New Zealand due to his injury and will stay back in Pakistan for immediate rehabilitation under the supervision of Dr Sohail Saleem at the NCA, I discussed the issue with the Chairman and other concerned Board officials.

“The Chairman has considered and approved the request of the skipper Misbah-ul-Haq to include Bilawal Bhatti in the team under the condition that Bilawal Bhatti will play all scheduled matches in New Zealand.

“The decision for his selection will be considered in accordance with his performance as to whether he may continue or be replaced. It is, however, clarified that if Junaid Khan regains fitness, he will join the World Cup squad as announced on January 7, 2015.”

Junaid along with Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz, Ehsan Adil and Sohail Khan formed a largely inexperienced pace bowling attack picked for the World Cup.

Pakistan are already without key spinners Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez, who have been suspended from bowling by the International Cricket Council over illegal actions.

Pakistan will leave for New Zealand today for a two-match series before heading to Australia to play the World Cup which will be held from Feb 14 to March 29.