Babar Azam ruled out of T20 series due to fractured thumb

Islamabad:  Pakistan sustained a major injury blow ahead of next week’s three-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand when its captain Babar Azam was ruled out because of a fractured thumb.
 Azam sustained the injury on his right thumb at Queenstown on Sunday during Pakistan team’s practice session.
 The Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement that Azam will not be able to attend net sessions for at least 12 days after scans confirmed the fracture.
 “During this period, the doctors will continue to monitor Babar’s injury before confirming his participation in the first test,” the PCB said.
 The Twenty20 series begins at Auckland on Dec. 18, followed by matches at Hamilton (Dec. 20) and Napier (Dec. 22). The first test begins on December 26.
 “I have spoken with Babar and he is sad to miss the T20 series, Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said. We have a long season of cricket ahead and we now hope that he regains complete fitness as early as possible so that he can return to competitive cricket.”