Pakistan may be without their ace fast bowler Mohammad Irfan when they face off against the mighty Australian side in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final after the seven foot tall left-armer failed to recover from his injury.
Irfan suffered a recurrence of his hip injury during Pakistan’s crucial game against South Africa but managed to complete the match, playing a pivotal role in the 29-run victory.
But he was ruled out of the following game against Ireland, a must-win encounter for both sides. Though Pakistan emerged unscathed from that battle, it will be a major blow if Misbah-ul-Haq is without the firepower of Irfan against tournament-favourites Australia.
“Irfan has been experiencing pain in his right hip region. Consequently, he was rested during the match against Ireland,” a statement by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.
“Irfan’s MRI scan was taken Monday late afternoon,” it added.
Brad Robinson, Pakistan’s physiotherapist, said a detailed report from the radiologists would be available on Tuesday.
“A decision will then be taken on his availability for the forthcoming quarter-final against Australia,” Robinson said.
The development may be a bitter pill for Pakistan to swallow who are already without the services of key bowlers Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul and Junaid Khan for the World Cup.
According to the Pakistan captain, the pace trio Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan and Mohammad Irfan had filled the void left by the absence of the stars bowlers brilliantly and were instrumental in keeping the Greenshirts alive in the World Cup.
It is unclear whether Irfan’s injury may also prevent him from playing the semi-final should Pakistan progress.
