On the recommendation of chief selector Moin Khan, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Chairman Shaharyar M. Khan has approved replacing injured pacer Junaid Khan with all-rounder Bilawal Bhatti for the upcoming New Zealand tour. The inclusion of Bilawal Bhatti for the ICC World Cup 2015 squad will be contingent on his performance in the four scheduled matches in New Zealand as well as Junaid Khan's recovery.
"If Junaid recovers fitness, he will join the World Cup squad", said Moin Khan. Pakistan would play two ODIs in New Zealand on January 31 and February 3, 2015. Both the teams would also have two World Cup warm-up games on February 9 and 11, before their tournament opener against India on February 15.
On re-examining Junaid's condition, team Pakistan physiotherapist Brad Robinson and PCB's head of Medical & Sports Sciences Dr Sohail Saleem concurred that Junaid had not recovered sufficiently from the traction injury of the nerve in the posterior right thigh and recommended recuperation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Subsequently, the left-arm fast bowler was withdrawn from the New Zealand tour.
Moin Khan said, "After the injury report of Junaid Khan by the team physio, Brad Robbinson that Junaid will not be able to travel to New Zealand due to his injury and will stay back in Pakistan for immediate rehabilitation under the supervision of Dr Sohail Saleem at the NCA, I discussed the issue with the Chairman and other concerned Board officials. The PCB Chairman has considered and approved the request of the skipper Misbah-ul-Haq to include Bilawal Bhatti in the team under the condition that Bilawal Bhatti will play all scheduled matches in New Zealand."
Moin Khan said, "The decision for his selection will be considered in accordance with his performance as to whether he may continue or be replaced. It is, however, clarified that if Junaid Khan regains fitness, he will join the World Cup squad as announced on January 7, 2015." It may be noted that Junaid Khan had to suffer a thigh injury while training last week. Junaid will be assessed ahead of the World Cup.