Junaid adds to Pakistan's woes ahead of New Zealand tour

Pakistan cricket team suffered a major blow ahead of New Zealand tour after fast bowler Junaid Khan was ruled out of the squad amid stress fracture, as per media reports.

Earlier, it was learnt that the fast bowler has fractured his right foot during his stint with the Khulna Titans at the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in November.

Junaid's departure has further dented the team’s powerful bowling line up, featuring the likes of Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali. As Junaid is the second Pakistani bowler to suffer fracture after newbie left-armer Usman Shinwari was barred from playing cricket after a stress fracture last month.

Earlier it was reported that all rounder Faheem Ashraf sustained a hamstring injury during the recently concluded National T20 Cup. The youngster representing the Faisalabad side also missed the semifinal of the tournament, which his team lost by 10 runs against the Lahore Whites.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is schedule to play five ODI and three T20Is between January 6 and January 28. The Pakistan selectors are expected to announce the squad later this week.