VIDEO: Pakistan power hitter Azam Khan ruled out of New Zealand T20Is series. Here's WHY?

Rawalpindi: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has been ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand with a Grade One tear of his right calf muscle.

The 25-year-old was advised a 10-day rest after scans revealed the tear in his calf muscle.

Azam first experienced discomfort in his right calf during batting practice before the first T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Azam Khan's participation in Pakistan's T20I series against New Zealand is in doubt after he experienced discomfort in his right knee and right calf muscle.
PCB is awaiting results of Azam's radiology reports before making a decision on his availability. #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/PtfpnEM8if

— Sami Khattak (@iM_SamiKhan) April 18, 2024

Azam is set to leave the rest of the squad and head to the National Cricket Academy to begin his rehabilitation under the guidance of the PCB medical panel.

Missing the series is a big blow for Azam, who is among the contenders vying for a spot in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, an ICC report said.

Pakistan also play Ireland and England following the New Zealand series ahead of the T20 World Cup and Azam will hope to be ready for the two series ahead of the mega event.

The first T20I of the series against New Zealand was washed out by rain.