Pelvis fracture rules Irfan out of World Cup

In a major jolt to Pakistan ahead of their quarterfinal against Australia here on Friday, pacer Mohammad Irfan has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a stress facture in the pelvis.

Irfan underwent an MRI scan on Monday afternoon, and the radiologist's report showed a stress injury of the pelvis but was inconclusive.

The team's physiotherapist Brad Robinson ordered a more detailed scan, which was carried out on Tuesday afternoon. It reconfirmed an obvious stress fracture.

"This injury rules Irfan out of the World Cup," said Robinson.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement on Tuesday saying that the "Pakistan think tank is not immediately asking the selection committee back home for a replacement but shall wait until the result of the Friday's quarterfinal encounter against Australia to do so".

The tall fast bowler has been instrumental in Pakistan's comeback into the tournament.

After losing to India and the West Indies, the 1992 edition champions came back strongly to win four matches in a row and finish third in Pool B.

Irfan has picked up eight wickets in five matches with the best figures of 4/30 against Zimbabwe.