Sajid Khan ruled out of Shaheens’ England tour due to thumb fracture

Test off-spinner Sajid Khan has been ruled out of the ongoing Pakistan Shaheens tour of England after suffering a right thumb fracture during a training session at Tonbridge School Ground in Kent.

The injury occurred just hours before the Shaheens were set to take on the Professional County Club Select XI in the first of three scheduled one-day matches at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham.

Following the incident, the medical staff assessed Sajid's condition and confirmed the fracture. The 30-year-old spinner will now return to Pakistan on the earliest available flight and is expected to undergo further medical treatment at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

The team management has decided not to call for a replacement, indicating they will continue the series with the remaining squad members.

Sajid Khan has been a consistent performer in the red-ball format and was expected to play a key role on the tour. His absence will be felt in the spin department, especially given England's conditions which often demand disciplined bowling strategies.

This injury is a setback not only for Sajid personally but also for the team's overall preparations. The Shaheens will now regroup and look to make the most of their upcoming fixtures without their lead spinner.