Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send all rounder Sohail Tanvir to join the Pakistan squad in New Zealand, it was announced on Monday. Tanvir had initially been selected for the national squads for T20 and Test matches against New Zealand for the ongoing series however he could not get fitness clearance for the T20 matches.
According to Sohail Tanvir, he had no pain, discomfort anywhere in the body. However he was having stiffness in his lower back and legs during the last concluded camp for which he was treated appropriately. PCB's medical team comprising doctor, physio and coaches have re-evaluated his fitness. The PCB team consulted the Australian doctor who performed surgery on Sohail Tanvir in whose view it takes approximately 18 months to two years for a graft to settle.
Sohail has been participating and performing in domestic cricket and so far has claimed 33 wickets in five games that he played. After evaluating Sohail Tanvir, the PCB team is of the view that the more he plays the graft will settle and bending of the knee will improve with the passage of time. Therefore Sohail should carry on normally in cricket and try to avoid fielding positions in circle especially that require sharp bending as his bowling and batting ability can be fully utilised without further deterioration or pain in his left knee.
In view of this advice, the Selection Committee in consultation with Pakistan team management in New Zealand recommended that Sohail Tanvir should be sent to New Zealand immediately. Sohail Tanvir is therefore being sent to New Zealand, the PCB statement said.