Pakistan's Shadab Khan ruled out of England series

The PCB has stated that the 20-year-old detected with a virus that will require treatment and rest for at least four weeks

In a major blow to the Pakistan cricket team, leg-spinner Shadab Khan has been ruled out of the upcoming series against England. Confirming the development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated that the 20-year-old detected with a virus that will require treatment and rest for at least four weeks.

“Shadab's blood tests have revealed (a) virus and doctors have advised him a four-week rest,” PCB said in a statement.

“Shadab is out of the five-match one-day series against England and a Twenty20 match (also against England)," it added.

The Pakistan team will fly to England on Tuesday and play a five-match one-day series against the number one ranked home team, starting May 5.

The PCB said Shadab will meet with specialists in England to help him fully recover for the World Cup opener against the West Indies on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

Shadab has played 34 one-day internationals, 32 Twenty20 matches and five Test matches in a promising career that started in 2017.

“The selectors have already included Asif Ali and Mohammad Amir as additional players to the 15-player World Cup squad,” the PCB said.

Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq described Shadab's loss as “bad news”, adding her hopes the spinner will be ready for the tournament.