LAHORE: The campaign of Islamabad United has suffered a major setback. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf will not be able to play at least 3 matches after getting 5 stitches on his hand.
In the first 2 overs of the match against Lahore Qalandars, Faheem Ashraf got a valuable wicket of Fakhruzzaman, but then during Hassan Ali’s bowling, while fielding in short fine league position, the space between the index finger and thumb on his left hand exploded. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Doctors gave him antibiotics and painkillers, he had to put 5 stitches on his hand, later doctors did not allow him to bowl immediately, most of the time the all-rounder stayed off the field.
Eventually, according to the rules and regulations, with the permission of the umpires, he bowled the 14th and 17th overs of the innings. In 4 overs in total, Faheem Ashraf took one wicket for 31 runs. He scored the most 27 runs.
Faheem Ashraf will rest for a few days, he will not be available for Islamabad United for at least the next 3 matches, one of Akif Javed and Mohammad Musa will be given a chance to fill his vacancy.
According to team sources, after waiting for a while, it will be decided to field Faheem due to his injury. The national team has to leave for England immediately after the PSL, so any compromise on the fitness of the all-rounder.