ICC World Cup 2019: Afghanistan won’t be distracted by Shahzad row, insists Naib | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

ICC World Cup 2019: Afghanistan won’t be distracted by Shahzad row, insists Naib

Cardiff | ByAFP
Jun 15, 2019 01:30 PM IST

The 31-year-old, who scored just seven runs in losses to Australia and Sri Lanka, claimed medical advice he had received said he would have been fit to play in a few days after having his knee drained.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib insists his side won’t let the row over Mohammad Shahzad’s controversial World Cup exit overshadow the rest of the tournament.

Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib(Action Images via Reuters)
Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib(Action Images via Reuters)

Shahzad played in Afghanistan’s first two World Cup matches, but the wicketkeeper-batsman was removed from the squad after suffering a knee injury that the country’s cricket board said would not allow him to play any further part in the tournament. (Complete coverage of ICC World Cup 2019)

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The 31-year-old, who scored just seven runs in losses to Australia and Sri Lanka, claimed medical advice he had received said he would have been fit to play in a few days after having his knee drained.

“If they don’t want me to play, I will quit cricket,” an emotional Shahzad was reported to have told local media after returning to Kabul.

Shahzad, Afghanistan’s highest run-scorer in one-day internationals with 2,727 runs, was not selected for the 2015 World Cup due to a lack of fitness.

Asked about the row ahead of Saturday’s clash with South Africa, Naib made it clear he didn’t want to dwell on the situation.

“We looked forward, so we didn’t go to the past. We had one week off. We got plenty of good things in this last week,” Naib told reporters on Friday.

“Obviously we missed Shahzad. We have good youngsters on the team now on the side, so we’re excited for the next game.” With Afghanistan still looking for their first win in this year’s World Cup, Naib said star leg spinner Rashid Khan should be fit to play against South Africa.

Rashid suffered a head injury and failed a concussion test, leaving him unable to bowl after he was struck by a bouncer from New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson.

“He’s quite good now. He joined yesterday’s practise session as well. Now he’s feeling much better now,” Naib said.

“It’s not that serious. Obviously when you are hit hard on the head you have something like a problem, like the head is sore. But now he’s feeling well.”

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On