Emerging all-rounder Mohammad Wasim pulled out of practice in Dubai due to back pain, giving Pakistan another scare before their Asia Cup opener against India on August 28. 

The Men in Green already had to withdraw Shaheen Afridi due to a knee injury and is out for four to six weeks. 

Wasim, who turned 21 on Thursday, reported having lower back pain while bowling at the ICC Academy.

He is thought to have had an MRI scan. Since arriving in Dubai on Tuesday, Wasim has taken part in each of the team’s two training sessions.

Given the amount of cricket they will play leading up to the T20 World Cup in Australia this October–November, the PCB decided to have the scan as a preventative measure.

Following the Asia Cup, Pakistan will play England in seven Twenty20 Internationals at home, followed by a tri-series in New Zealand before heading to Australia. If they make the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, they could play five games in 12 days.

Wasim has played 11 T20Is since making his debut against the West Indies last July. He has 17 wickets at a 15.88 average and an economy of 8.10.

Given that the team management is already dealing with Afridi’s absence from the tournament, the injury scare could be concerning. 

Afridi has been a member of the travelling team despite the injury for four weeks, and he is currently receiving on-tour rehabilitation in the UAE as Pakistan tries to get him ready for the T20 World Cup.