Why Is Shadab Khan Not Playing Against Bangladesh?

image-loe3kfi9Shadab Khan got medical assistance during PAK vs SA (AP Photo)

Pakistan suffered a major blow ahead of their must-win ICC World Cup 2023 league-stage encounter against Bangladesh in Kolkata on Tuesday (October 31), with lead wrist-spinner Shadab Khan ruled out with medical concerns. 

Shadab was sidelined from the Bangladesh clash at the iconic Eden Gardens with a concussion bout after suffering a blow to his head during Pakistan's previous encounter of the tournament against South Africa in Chennai. 

The young cricketer picked up the issue while undergoing his fielding duties earlier in the South African run-chase at Chepauk last Friday (October 27) and couldn't take part in the remainder of the contest as per the advice of the medical staff. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the decision to bench Shadab for the face-off with the Bangla Tigers was also taken at the discretion of the medical staff and Pakistan team physio after they noted it down as the third instance of the cricketer being hurt on the head in the last two years. 


Why Shadab Khan is not playing

The PCB confirmed in a statement issued moments after Pakistan lost the toss and were asked to bowl first at the Eden Gardens that Shadab has been taken under extensive medical care and precautions and will be assessed regularly over the coming days. 

"Shadab Khan suffered a concussion in Pakistan's match vs South Africa. After a thorough assessment, the medical panel had no choice but to rule him out of the match against Bangladesh," the PCB statement read. 


"This was Shadab’s third concussion since September last year. He had a collision with his Sussex teammate while fielding in the Vitality T20 Blast in May this year and previously during the Asia Cup final last year in Dubai when his head crashed into Asif Ali’s elbow while fielding." 


"Every precaution is being taken, keeping in mind his health and wellbeing. He will continue to be assessed over the coming days."

The concussion would've added to Shadab's misery for the tournament after struggling throughout in either skill. Pakistan's key young all-round cricketer has faltered in both departments, with just 113 runs and two wickets in five matches.