Asia Cup IND v PAK: Pakistan’s pacer Mohammad Wasim complains of back pain during training

New Delhi: Another blow to the Pakistan camp as Mohammad Wasim has pulled up back pain during training in Dubai. Though there are no reports of ruling him out as of now. After Shaheen Shah Afridi was ruled out of the tournament, Wasim is another pacer who is standing closer to it.

Mohammad Wasim, who turned 21 a day before, has been taken for precautionary MRI scans. The bowler complained of pain in his lower back during a bowling session at the ICC Academy. He has been part of all three training sessions for Pakistan. It is understood that the scan is precautionary and PCB does not want to take a risk with the youngster’s fitness.

Pakistan will play a lot of cricket after the Asia Cup as looking forward to the upcoming T20 World Cup, PCB would want its bowlers fit. For the same reason, Shaheen Shah Afridi is part of the travelling squad and is working with Pakistan’s pace bowling coach Shaun Tait.

Mohammad Wasim has played 11 T20Is picking up 17 wickets at an average of 15.88 and an economy of 8.10. He has been impressive, especially during the home series against Australia where he took five wickets in three ODIs and helped his team win the series. In his last ODI against the Netherlands, he picked up 4/36 and in his last T20I, he got two wickets against the Aussies.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s head coach has appointed Umar Rashid as assistant to coach Tait. Rashid, apart from grooming young pacers, has also helped Mohammad Hasnain to make a comeback after a suspected illegal action in BBL.