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Karachi: Pakistan's left-arm paceman Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the upcoming one-day series in New Zealand because of a leg injury, fuelling doubts about whether he will play in next month's World Cup.
The Pakistan team leaves for New Zealand late on Tuesday to play two one-day internationals on January 31 and February 3, with all-rounder Bilawal Bhatti replacing Junaid in the 15-man squad.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Junaid has been advised rest for at least two weeks to make a complete recovery from a hamstring injury he suffered during a conditioning camp in Lahore for the World Cup.
"Junaid will not be leaving with the team on Tuesday night and Bilawal has replaced him for the two one-day internationals and two warm-up games in New Zealand prior to the World Cup," a PCB spokesman told Reuters.
Chief selector Moin Khan had discussed the issue with PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan and if Junaid recovered from his injury he would join the team for the World Cup which begins from Feb. 14, the spokesman added.
Pakistan will play two ODIs in New Zealand on Jan. 31 and Feb. 3.
The 23-year-old Bilawal has played just two tests and eight one-day internationals but was overlooked for Pakistan's final 15-member World Cup squad.
Left-armer Junaid, one of Pakistan's most successful pacemen in recent times, made a comeback to domestic cricket late last month after remaining out of action since September with an ankle injury he sustained before the one-day series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates.
