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Shadab boosts Pakistan’s Cup hopes

Leg-spinning allrounder given all clear after he was diagnosed with hepatitis earlier this month

Shadab Khan has been cleared to play the World Cup later this month after blood tests showed he was clear of previously diagnosed hepatitis.

The 20-year-old was last month withdrawn from Pakistan's squad for the one-off Twenty20 and five-match one-day series in England after the hepatitis virus was found in his blood, also leaving him doubtful for the World Cup.

But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) says he’s now clear and will be part of the World Cup, starting in UK from May 30.

Shadab will join the team but will continue to be monitored for the team's World Cup warm-up matches on May 24 and 26 against Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Spinning heroes with Shadab Khan

The leg-spinner, who is also a handy batsman low down the order, is seen as key for Pakistan's World Cup campaign, which starts with a match against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31.

“Having played and won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, I understand the importance, flavour and glamour of global events and what success in such events mean to the players and the public,” he said in a statement.

A leg-spinner of great potential, Shadab has been Pakistan's key bowler in one-day internationals and Twenty20 cricket since his debut in 2017.

He has 47 wickets in 34 ODIs and 44 wickets in 32 T20Is.

“I am looking forward to featuring in the World Cup and will leave no stone unturned in helping Pakistan put up a strong show.”

“Shadab’s inclusion also balances what is a young but extremely talented squad,” said coach Mickey Arthur.

“I understand it will take Shadab some time to be back at his brilliant best as he has not played cricket for a few weeks, but our first game is on 31 May and he has got two weeks to regain complete form and fitness."