Pakistan suffered a big blow hours before the team's departure to India on Thursday when fast bowler Mohammad Asif pulled out with an elbow injury, officials said. Asif will miss at least the start of the five-match one-day series but hopes to be fit for the three Tests against Pakistan's biggest rivals.
"Asif has a recurrence of an elbow injury and he will not travel to India with the team," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi told reporters.
The 24-year-old initially suffered the injury to his bowling arm ahead of Pakistan's first Test against England at Lord's last year. It recurred during Pakistan's home series against South Africa earlier this month.
Asif missed the first three one-day internationals before selectors risked him in the fourth one-dayer at Multan where he conceded 64 runs in eight overs and aggravated the injury. "It's a big loss," Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik told reporters. "We will try to overcome the loss and hope that it would not affect team's performance in the series," said Malik.
Naghmi said there will be no replacement for Asif in the 15-man squad as he may be fit after the first three matches. Asif will undergo a rehabilitation programme devised by his doctor, Naghmi said. Asif said missing the one-day series is a big disappointment. "It is a big disappointment because a tour to India is always important and I wanted to be part of the team," Asif told.