Muhammad Hafeez confident of regaining full fitness before World Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez is hopeful he will have enough time to recover from a hand injury in time to represent his country in the forthcoming World Cup in May-July

Pakistan all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez is hopeful he will have enough time to recover from a hand injury in time to represent his country in the forthcoming World Cup in May-July. Hafeez fractured his right thumb in his second match of the Pakistan Super League while attempting to take a catch of his own bowling. The star player has set his sights to perform well in the PSL to win over the selectors’ confidence ahead of the World Cup.

The 38-year old left for Manchester to consult surgeon Mike Hayton, a specialist who specialises in hand injuries.

“I am hopeful once the surgery is done I will have enough time to recover and be available for selection in the World Cup,” Hafeez said before leaving for Manchester.

Scans later revealed a fracture and need for surgery after which the normal recovery period is six to eight weeks.

Hafeez, who has retired from Test cricket after 55 matches, has already appeared in 208 One-day Internationals and 89 T20 Internationals.

Hafeez said injuries were part of any professional cricketer’s life and at first he didn’t think it was a serious one.

“But scans showed a break and doctors in Dubai advised me to go for surgery and I have chosen to go to Manchester to consult Hayton,” he said.