Fitness concerns in Pakistan camp as Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Hafeez injured

Pakistan, who are currently in a crucial stage of their World T20, had to counter an unpleasant news  just ahead of the important clash against New Zealand on Tuesday (March 22). The team is struggling with fitness concerns after fast bowler Wahab Riaz and batsmen Mohammad Hafeez suffered injuries. Wahab Riaz was struck by a throw during a practice session at the PCA stadium in Mohali, whereas Mohammed Hafeez reported knee pain. Both scheduled to undergo fitness tests before the match.

Moat likely, Wahab Riaz is expected to recover but Hafeez, who has been experiencing pain in his knee over the past few days, is unlikely to take part in the must win game after their loss to India last game.

Sohail Saleem, the team’s physiotherapist, confirmed that Riaz has a bit of swelling above his ear. “Wahab has mild swelling but no loss of consciousness, vomiting or delusions and he was very well oriented in time and space,” he said. “His strength and reflexes were also found to be normal.

“He himself walked over to the dressing room from the ground. Subsequently he was taken to a medical facility for C.T. Scan as a precautionary measure, which confirmed that there was no fracture in the cranium and pericranial soft tissue appeared normal. He was also seen by a neurologist at the same hospital, who declared him normal. Wahab is being kept under the supervision of the team doctor and physio overnight in his hotel room.”

Hafeez too had to undergo scans. “The senior batsman complained of pain in the right knee a couple of days ago. He was administered physio treatment several times but the pain didn’t subside,” revealed Saleem. “On examination he was suspected to be having a strain of one of ligament in his right knee.

He was sent for an MRI immediately after arrival in Mohali from Kolkata. The MRI report received today revealed bone contusion/edema in the inter-condylar region of the femur. There was also minimal amount of fluid in the knee joint. He would be further inspected on Tuesday, but it is likely that he would not be able to take part in the match against Black Caps.