Naseem Shah hospitalized due to fever, ruled out of fifth T20I against England

Naseem Shah (Image Credit: Twitter)

The seven-match T20I series between Pakistan and England has been a roller-coaster ride so far. After four games, the series is leveled 2-2. All four games were played in Karachi. The teams have now moved to Lahore for the rest of the games. Ahead of the Lahore leg of the series, the Men In Green might have lost the services of Naseem Shah for the fifth match.

Reportedly, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson has informed the local media that Shah has been hospitalized. The spokesperson has said that the right-arm pacer was battling a high fever. The fever is a result of a chest infection which is why the 19-year-old has been ruled out. However, a report by India TV differs from Pakistan media. It says that the availability of Naseem is subject to medical clearances.

Meanwhile, the Quetta Gladiators player in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has played only one game of the series. He was rested in the last three games. The Green brigade will be hoping for the 13-Test player to recover as soon as possible. After all, he was one of the finds for the team during the Asia Cup 2022. Notably, he made his debut in the shortest format of the game during the tournament.

Dengue Tests carried out on the Pakistan squad

On the other hand, a source close to the team has said that the Pakistan players went through Dengue Tests. In recent times, cases of Dengue have rocketed sky high in Lahore. The team would be hoping that everything is fine with the players. After all, most of these players are set to take the plane to Australia for the 20-20 World Cup 2022.

The World Cricket Governing Council has asked the teams to submit their final squads by October 9. It would be interesting to see which players from the current squad for the series against England makes it for the showpiece event.