All-rounder Azhar Mahmood on Wednesday had a recurrence of shoulder injury during a warmup session prior to the start of the third one-day international against Zimbabwe. Azhar had missed nearly four weeks of cricket with the same injury before being declared fit for one-dayers against Zimbabwe.

"Team manager Brig Mohammad Nasir has informed us that Azhar Mahmood will not be available for the remaining two one-day internationals and probably for the South African tour because of shoulder injury," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) acting Director Zakir Khan said.

Azhar Mahmood, Zakir continued, will be sent to Johannesburg to consult the same specialist who treated Rashid Latif for a neck injury earlier this month.

The team management has not asked for Azhar Mahmood's replacement.

Samiul Hasan
GM Media
November 27, 2002