PSL 2016

Watson out of PSL due to abdominal injury

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

© Cricbuzz

Shane Watson's Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaign came to a premature end as he was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a strain on his abdominal muscle.

Watson, the vice-captain of Islamabad United, pulled up following his team's seven-wicket loss against Peshawar Zalmi on Friday (February 12). He underwent scans on Saturday morning, which revealed a low-grade strain of the left abdominal muscle.

A disappointed Watson said he'll be flying back to Australia to be assessed by Cricket Australia's medical team and expressed hope that he will be fit in time for the World T20.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad franchise announced that Azhar Mahmood would replace Watson.

Injury woes have troubled Islamabad throughout the opening season of PSL. Watson had stood in for Misbah-ul-Haq when the regular skipper had to miss a couple of games due to a calf injury, while Mohammad Sami has been struggling with his groin. Andre Russell too was seen limping off the ground after bowling two overs against Peshawar, although he was back on the field after a short while.

"You don't have much time in this tournament as there are back to back games. We have suffered a lot from injuries as well," Misbah had said after their game against Zalmi.

Islamabad, who have won two and lost four games so far, are currently placed fourth on the points table. They play their next game against Karachi Kings on Sunday, while their last league game will be against Lahore Qalandars on Wednesday.

© Cricbuzz

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