Mohammad Hafeez had already been dealt a pretty big blow heading into the World Cup, after he was banned from bowling by the ICC owing to a suspect action, and to make matters worse, an ever heavier, knockout, blow has not been landed on Pakistan with the former captain now ruled out of the entire WC in Australia and New Zealand.
The build-up to the most anticipated match at the World Cup – India vs Pakistan – has been marred by injuries to both camps, with Hafeez being the latest victim.
Pakistan have already had to make one change to their original 15, after fast bowler Junaid Khan was ruled out through injury, with Rahat Ali getting a surprise call-up.
The Pakistan side have now been forced into a second change, with Hafeez picking up a calf injury in their final ODI against New Zealand last week.
Scans have suggested the injury will take at least a month to completely heal, forcing Pakistan's hand in the matter.
"It's confirmed that Hafeez is unfortunately out due to an injury," PCB chairman Shahryar Khan said. "Captain Misbah-ul-Haq, coach Waqar Younis and chief selector Moin Khan decided the replacement as they wanted an opening batsman in place of an opening batsman."
The replacement will be fellow opener Nasir Jamshed, with the management deciding against calling up Saeed Ajmal, who is available after seeing his action cleared by the ICC . The change in the squad was approved by the ICC Event Technical Committee.
While Jamshed is a capable player, Pakistan will undoubtedly miss the services of Hafeez, who, even if he couldn't bowl, brings that extra bit of class and experience to the side.
One of the most important things in a team is a settled opening combination, and with Hafeez now gone, the likes of Misbah and Waqar will have a few decisions to make.
It remains to be seen if Jamshed will slot in directly and join Ahmed Shehzad at the top, with wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed also waiting for an opportunity to take the opening bowling to town after some impressive performances.
Pakistan play their first warm-up game, against Bangladesh, at the Blacktown Olympic Park Oval in Sydney today.
