Junaid Khan ruled out of 2015 World Cup with thigh injury

Junaid Khan

Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the upcoming 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after failing a fitness test. A thigh injury had ruled the 25-year-old left-arm pacer out of his side’s ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, but Pakistan’s chief selector Moin Khan had told at the time that it was just a precautionary measure and expected him to be fit in time for the World Cup.

Junaid has played 48 ODIs for Pakistan and has picked up 75 wickets at an economy rate of 5.14 since making his debut against the West Indies in 2011.

The news further dents Pakistan’s bowling resources at the mega event after their premier bowler Saeed Ajmal withdrew from the competition as he couldn't rectify his bowling action in time, while it is still uncertain whether Mohammad Hafeez would be permitted to bowl at the event. On the request of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), a biomechanics test will be conducted on him at Brisbane on February 6.

A replacement for Junaid is expected to be announced soon.