T20 World Cup 2022: Shan Masood taken to hospital after Mohammad Nawaz's shot hit on his head

Pakistan are dealt with a major injury scare ahead of the marquee game against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia. The two teams are slated to face each other on Sunday (October 23) at the MCG. Ahead of the encounter, their designated number three batter Shan Masood was hit on the head on the right side and has been taken to hospital.

According to journalist Boria Majumdar, Mohammad Nawaz hit a shot and the ball ended up smacking on Masood's head during a training session. The left-hander was lying down the ground for 5-7 minutes after being hit and further clarity on his availability for the marquee could only be available once he is back from hospital.

Update:

Pakistani Batter Shan Masood has been taken to the hospital. Doctors will examine him and then further steps will be taken.

Mohd. Nawaz’s shot hit Masood on the head for this unfortunate injury. He was lying down on the ground for 5-7 mints. Wish him a speedy recovery.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) October 21, 2022

A moment of extreme scare. Mohammad Nawaz is distraught and down on the ground after his shot hits Shan Masood flash at the back of his neck😳

Watch this exclusive footage on @Sportskeeda. #T20WorldCup #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/9JrhGQ0ZSg

— Srinjoy Sanyal (@srinjoysanyal07) October 21, 2022

Who will replace Masood if he is ruled out?

Pakistan will be sweating on his fitness now and if concussion protocols are taken into consideration, if Shan Masood feels dizzy, he might well miss the epic clash against India. In that case, Fakhar Zaman who was included in the 15-member squad only recently is likely to be included in the playing XI. 

It also becomes imperative for them to go with Asif Ali and Iftikhar Ahmed in the XI who haven't been delivering consistently in the middle-order. Haider Ali is another prospect who played a crucial role in the final of the tri-series against New Zealand earlier this month. He was anyways going to make it to the XI but it remains to be seen if he gets to bat at number three.