LAHORE: Two-time champions Pakistan suffered an injury setback ahead of their victory in the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 Super Six, with wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Shayan ruled out due to injury against arch-rivals India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Friday.
According to the cricket board, Shayen suffered a severe blow to the nose while keeping wicket for a fast bowler during a scene-based practice match and will miss Sunday’s high-stakes Asian Champions match at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo.
He was then taken to a nearby hospital where a scan confirmed the fracture. PCB further shared that his replacement will be announced in due course.
“Pakistan U19 wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup after being hit on the nose by a fast bowler during a situation-based practice match,” the PCB said in a statement.
“He was taken to hospital where X-rays confirmed the fracture. A replacement for Mohammed Shayan will be named in due course,” it added.
For the uninitiated, Shayan has represented Pakistan in two matches in the ongoing mega event and managed to score seven runs in the campaign opener against England, while he did not bat in their previous match against New Zealand.
The injury setback comes as the green shirts battle to book their place in the 2026 U19 World Cup semi-finals despite leading England and India.
Pakistan are currently third in the Group 2 standings of the Super Six stage with four points from three matches, two behind leaders India and second-placed England.
A win in their last Super Six match against arch-rivals India is imperative as a defeat will bring the curtain down on their campaign.
However, apart from a win, Pakistan will want New Zealand to beat England in the ongoing Super Six, which will result in a reduction in the latter’s net run rate.