Pakistan’s team doctor withdraws from Australia tour

The Pakistan cricket team doctor, Dr. Sohail Saleem, won't be travelling to Australia for personal reasons. His decision is due to his father's serious illness, as he is battling cancer.

Despite visa issues preventing his earlier travel, he was supposed to join the team in Perth for the first Test.

Dr. Sohail has informed the PCB about his unavailability, prompting the board to explore alternative medical options, including the possibility of hiring a local doctor.

Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of the first Test match against Australia starting in Perth from 14 December. During the first- class game against the Prime Minister XI, Abrar left the field of play due to severe pain in his right leg around his knee.

During an assessment by the medical team, a provisional diagnosis was made - justifying an MRI scan, which was done on the same day.

Abrar will undergo an intervention in Perth on Monday, after which conservative rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff, will continue his road to recovery.

He has not been ruled out of the test series yet, but keeping the player’s wellbeing in mind for this and future tours, further assessment before the second test will ascertain his availability on this tour.