Hafeez not bowling is a major problem for Pakistan: Azhar Mahmood

Pakistan cricket team would start off the new year with a major challenge ahead, as they would be touring the New Zealand for a limited overs series.

The team was earlier rocked with injury reports of fast bowlers Usman Shinwari and Junaid Khan. Adding to the woes of Pakistan, leading all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was also banned from bowling by the cricket governing bodies.

Pakistan cricket bowling coach Azhar Mahmood believes that not getting Hafeez to bowl was a major ‘disadvantage’ for the side. Hafeez is one of the regular bowlers for Pakistan, known for his economy rate and knack of taking wickets as well.

"Hafeez not bowling will be a big disadvantage for us, especially as he is World's No 1 ODI all-rounder," Mahmood said while taking to the media.

The former all-rounder, however, was optimistic that fellow veteran Shoaib Malik would fill in the shoes, alongside newbie Shadab Khan and Haris Sohail. "But we have Malik and Khan in the spin department. If Sohail plays, then we will get an extra bowler too," he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is scheduled to play five ODIs and three T20Is between January 6 and January 28.