Pakistan’s Shadab doubtful for World Cup clash with New Zealand 

Pakistan's Shadab Khan receives medical attention during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 between Pakistan and South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India on October 27, 2023. (ICC)
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Updated 03 November 2023
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Pakistan’s Shadab doubtful for World Cup clash with New Zealand 

  • Shadab landed awkwardly on his shoulder and his head hit the ground during Pakistan loss to South Africa 
  • It was Shadab’s third concussion since September last year and Pakistan coach said they will take a late call 

BENGALURU: Pakistan’s Shadab Khan remains a doubt for their World Cup game against New Zealand after suffering concussion, team director Mickey Arthur said on Friday, although the all-rounder passed a preliminary test. 

Shadab landed awkwardly on his shoulder and his head hit the ground during their narrow loss to South Africa last week. He was replaced by Usama Mir, who also took his spot in the team for their win over Bangladesh. 

It was Shadab’s third concussion since September last year and although he trained at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, Arthur said they will take a late call. 

“The latest update is Shadab went through a preliminary test today, which you’ve got to do as per medical protocol,” Arthur told reporters ahead of Saturday’s contest. 

“He came through that OK, but we’re in no position yet to make a decision on him. Concussion is a really important injury, and we’ve got to be 100 percent sure before we make a decision.” 

Pakistan are fifth in the table below New Zealand and aiming to make a late push to secure a semifinal place and Arthur said games against the Black Caps and defending champions England next week were must-win contests. 

“I’ll be brutally honest, I don’t think we’ve played to our full potential this tournament yet,” Arthur said. “I thought the Bangladesh game is the first game where we actually put a complete game together. 

“We batted beautifully, bowled beautifully and fielded beautifully, which in all the other games we’ve done one or two disciplines OK. But our other disciplines let us down. 

“I’d like to say we’re peaking... But we found our best game against Bangladesh and I just hope that’s not too late for us.” 


Saudi Arabia condemns deadly mosque bombing in Pakistan’s capital

Updated 57 min 28 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns deadly mosque bombing in Pakistan’s capital

  • The Kingdom rejects targeting of places of worship, expresses solidarity with Pakistan
  • Saudi foreign ministry offers condolences to victims’ families, wishes injured recovery

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia on Friday condemned the suicide bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad, expressing solidarity with Pakistan after the attack killed and injured dozens on the outskirts of the capital.

The blast, which struck during Friday prayers, killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 160 others, according to Pakistani authorities.

In a statement issued by its foreign ministry, Saudi Arabia denounced the targeting of a place of worship and rejected all forms of violence and extremism.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Islamabad,” the statement said.

It added that the Kingdom stood firmly against attacks on civilians and places of worship and reaffirmed its support for Pakistan in confronting militant violence.

The ministry also extended condolences to the families of those killed and expressed sympathy with the Pakistani government and people, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, which Pakistani officials say is being investigated.