LAHORE: Rising Pakis­tan all-rounder Shadab Khan is in doubt for the upcoming ICC World Cup after contracting hepatitis from a dentist’s unsterilised instruments.

Blood tests revealed the 20-year-old leg-spinner had contracted the disease, ruling him out of Pakistan’s tour of England.

After a checkup with a UK-based doctor, the Pakis­tan Cricket Board issued a statement with an update on Shadab’s condition.

“Shadab had a check-up with Dr Patrick Kennedy, a world renowned gastroenterologist and hepatologist who specialises in liver disease in elite sportsmen and was put on medication,” the PCB statement read.

The young cricketer will have further blood tests in two weeks in Lahore, which will likely determine his availability for the World Cup, the PCB statement added.

The talented spinner was included in Pakistan’s 15-man squad for the World Cup, and has been a regular feature of the national team since his debut in 2017.In his 34 ODIs, Shadab has bagged 47 wickets.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2019