Shadab Khan declared fit by Pakistan for Cricket World Cup in England
Tuesday 14 May 2019 22:07, UK
Shadab Khan has been declared fit for Pakistan's World Cup campaign, the PCB confirmed on Tuesday.
Shadab was originally named in the squad for the current ODI series against England and this summer's ICC Cricket World Cup, before being ruled out after contracting a virus.
But the PCB has confirmed blood tests on Shadab showed zero viral load, and the 20-year-old will now leave for London, where he will consult a doctor before joining up with the Pakistan squad in Bristol next week.
"I am delighted to know that the blood tests are negative and I can now return to competitive cricket," Shadab said in a statement.
"I was always very confident that I would fully recover from the viral infection and will be available for the World Cup.
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"It has been difficult to stay away from international cricket and watch Pakistan play outstandingly [against England] both in Cardiff and Southampton. As a professional cricketer, you want to be part of such games."
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur remains hopeful that Shadab will regain full fitness ahead of their World Cup opener against West Indies in Nottingham on May 31.
"Shadab's inclusion balances what is a young but extremely talented squad," Arthur said.
"I understand it will take Shadab some time to be back at his brilliant best as he has not played cricket for a few weeks, but our first game is on May 31 and he has got two weeks to regain complete form and fitness."
Watch coverage of the fourth ODI between England and Pakistan, at Trent Bridge, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 12.30pm on Friday
