Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim pulled out of practice in Dubai due to back pain, giving Pakistan another scare before their Asia Cup opener against India on August 28. Shaheen Shah Afridi had to withdraw due to a knee injury.

Wasim, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Thursday, reported having lower back pain while bowling at the ICC Academy.

He is thought to have had an MRI scan. Since arriving in Dubai on Tuesday, Wasim has taken part in each of the team’s three training sessions.

Given the amount of cricket they will play leading up to the T20 World Cup in Australia this October–November, the PCB decided to have the scan as a preventative measure.

Mohammad Wasim Has Been A Good Addition To Pakistan’s Squad

Following the Asia Cup, Pakistan will play England in seven Twenty20 Internationals at home, followed by a tri-series in New Zealand before heading to Australia. If they make the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, they could play five games in 12 days.

Wasim has played 11 T20Is since making his debut against the West Indies last July. He has 17 wickets at a 15.88 average and an economy of 8.10. Wasim was particularly impressive in Pakistan’s home series against Australia in March, where he took five wickets in three one-day internationals as the team overcame a 1-0 deficit to win the series.

Given that the team management is already dealing with Afridi’s absence from the tournament, the injury scare could be concerning. Afridi has been a member of the travelling team despite the injury for four weeks, and he is currently receiving on-tour rehabilitation in the UAE as Pakistan tries to get him ready for the T20 World Cup.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan: Why Shaheen Shah Afridi Has Travelled With Pakistan Squad Despite Being Ruled Out Of Asia Cup 2022, Reveals PCB Spokesperson