Shoaib Malik “has been advised to rest a minimum of seven to ten days”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their three-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand as they will be without all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who is still recovering from a delayed concussion.

Malik sustained the injury during the fourth ODI in Hamilton when he was struck on the head by a throw from New Zealand opener Colin Munro.

Malik continued batting after being hit, but did not take to the field during New Zealand’s successful chase of 263.

Since the 35-year-old still needs time to recover, Pakistan’s team management decided to send him back home.

“Shoaib Malik suffered a delayed concussion, when he was hit on the head by a wayward throw during the ODI in Hamilton,” Pakistan physiotherapist VB Singh was quoted as saying by Geo TV. “He has been making good progress since suffering the delayed concussion and is showing daily signs of improvement.

“He has been advised to rest a minimum of seven to ten days for the concussion to resolve. The decision was made to give him the best chance to continue aiding his prognosis and that he should return home to recover in a familiar and comfortable environment.”

It has also been confirmed that no replacement will be called up for Malik.