Junaid to replace injured Sohail

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Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan has been ruled out of the upcoming tour of Bangladesh after sustaining a back injury, and he will be replaced in the ODI squad by Junaid Khan, who had already been selected for the Tests and T20Is.

Sohail, 31, retired hurt with lower back pain after bowling four overs during a conditioning camp on Friday. He was initially treated by the team physiotherapist, but later sent for a medical scan. After an initial report, it was decided that he rest for at least two weeks.

“After the uncertain fitness of Sohail, we have decided to add Junaid Khan to continue in the ODIs as well,” Haroon Rasheed, the PCB’s chief selector, told ESPNcricinfo. “We cant say how serious Sohail’s injury is at the moment but he is presently advised two weeks rest.”

Sohail was recently called up for the 2015 World Cup, where he picked up 12 wickets including a five-for against India in the opening match in Adelaide. Before coming back into national contention, he had played the last of his five ODIs in Zimbabwe, in 2011.

Junaid had missed the tournament with a knee and thigh injury, and has been out of the team since October. He, however, recovered well ahead of the Bangaldesh series after undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.