Rizwan could miss Pakistan’s T20I tours to Ireland, England

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is likely to be ruled out of the remaining T20I matches against New Zealand and could also miss the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England.

Rizwan experienced discomfort in his right hamstring while batting in the third T20I against New Zealand on Sunday.

Rizwan, who had scored 23 not out from 22 balls before leaving the field and retiring hurt, was withdrawn from the match as a precautionary measure. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board's medical panel has received Rizwan's scan report and sought additional opinions from doctors in the UK regarding his injury. 

Sources indicate that Rizwan's injury is of a serious nature, prompting the medical panel to advise him to rest for a period of two to four weeks. This development casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming tours.

With the T20 World Cup looming just around the corner and Pakistan scheduled to kick off their campaign on June 6 against the United States in their first match, the uncertainty remains whether Rizwan will recuperate in time for the global tournament.

In Rizwan's absence, Usman Khan is set to take over the wicketkeeping duties for Pakistan in the fourth T20I against New Zealand. Rizwan also did not participate in the training session held on Tuesday due to his injury.

Pakistan's cricket team and management are hoping for a swift recovery for Rizwan and are adjusting their plans accordingly to accommodate his absence.

Ireland vs Pakistan T20I series:
10 May: First T20I in Dublin (7pm PST)
12 May: Second T20I in Dublin (7pm PST)
14 May: Third T20I in Dublin (7pm PST)

England vs Pakistan T20I series:
May 22: First T20I in Leeds (10:30pm PST)
May 25: Second T20I in Birmingham (6:30pm PST)
May 28: Third T20I in Cardiff (10:30pm PST)
May 30: Fourth T20I at The Oval, London (10:30pm PST)

T20 World Cup 2024: 

June 2-30 ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies and United States