PAK lefty opener Fakhar Zaman ruled out of New Zealand tour

Lahore:Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the New Zealand tour with a fever.

Zaman failed to recover in time before the squad's departure on Sunday.The decision to keep him out was taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board "keeping the health of the rest of the squad members as a top priority."

As per the PCB's statement, the Pakistan batsman is currently in isolation in the team hotel but has tested negative for COVID-19.

"Fakhar's COVID test report was received on Saturday which came out negative but today he picked up fever. As soon as his condition was reported, he was isolated from the rest of the squad in the team hotel," said Sohail Saleem, the team doctor.

"We are constantly monitoring his condition and remain hopeful of his quick recovery; however he is not fit to travel with the squad and as such has been withdrawn from the touring party," he added.

Pakistan will play three T20Is and two Tests against New Zealand, starting December 18. The tour will begin with two four-day warm-up games against New Zealand A from December 10.(UNI)