Pakistan rules out recovering Tanvir for World Cup

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Sohail Tanvir was ruled out of his first World Cup on Wednesday because of his slow recovery from knee surgery.

Uncapped 21-year-old left-arm fast bowler Junaid Khan was approved as Tanvir's replacement by the International Cricket Council, the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

Tanvir underwent knee surgery last year but struggled in his comeback one-day international series against New Zealand, which Pakistan won 3-2 last week.

The PCB said its medical team and team management "opined that Sohail Tanvir still requires time to attain hundred percent fitness before he can compete at international level."

Tanvir took just two wickets while conceding 223 runs in three ODIs against New Zealand and clearly struggled with his match fitness.

"During the tour it was observed that quick movements and pickup with weight hindered his (Tanvir's) mobility and requires him to take a few extra steps to balance himself before throwing," the PCB said.

Pakistan was the fourth major team to make late replacements before the World Cup starts in 10 days.

Australia's injured Michael Hussey and Nathan Hauritz were replaced by Callum Ferguson and Jason Karejza. India fast bowler Praveen Kumar made way for Shantakumaran Sreesanth, and England batsman Eion Morgan was replaced by Ravi Bopara.

Pakistan was in Group A with Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Canada.

Pakistan — the 1992 World Cup winner — opens its campaign against Kenya in Hambantota, Sri Lanka on Feb. 23.