Junaid Khan fails to recover in time for Pak's tour of NZ ahead of WC

In what was another setback for Pakistan's bowling attack for the World Cup, fast-bowler Junaid Khan has failed to recover in time to travel to New Zealand for a short series as a warm up for the elite tournament.

According to chief selector Moin Khan, Junaid has been replaced with Bilawal Bhatti for the New Zealand tour. He added that Bhatti's inclusion for the World Cup 2015 squad shall be contingent on his performance in the four scheduled matches in New Zealand as well as Junaid's recovery.

Moin said that if Junaid recovers fitness, he would join the World Cup squad, the Dawn reported.

Moin said that after the injury report of Junaid by the team physio Brad Robbinson that the paceman would not be able to travel to New Zealand due to his injury and would stay back in Pakistan for immediate rehabilitation under the supervision of Dr. Sohail Saleem at the NCA, he discussed the issue with the Chairman and other concerned Board officials.

Moin said that the 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 would play all scheduled matches in New Zealand.

The coach added that the decision for his selection would be considered in accordance with his performance as to whether Bhatti might continue or be replaced. However, he added that it is clarified that if Junaid regains fitness, he would join the World Cup squad as announced on January 7, 2015.