MELBOURNE: In preparation for their Super 12 opener in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup against India on Sunday, Pakistan's left-handed batsman Shan Masood was hit on the head during a practise session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday and had to be taken to the hospital for scans.

Masood, 33, was reportedly smacked on the side of the head during Pakistan's practise game while waiting for his time to bat, according to a report by Cricbuzz. "After being hit, Masood fell to the ground in pain and needed help from the team doctor. Fortunately, he was able to leave the area of the nets and was subsequently taken to the hospital for further investigation of the wound "the report said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later that day, according to the report, said that all of Masood's neurological observations were normal and that a re-test for a concussion will be done on Saturday. His CT scan only revealed minor bruises where the ball had impacted him.

Masood must now wait in anticipation to learn whether he will be selected for Pakistan's opening match of the tournament against India because the nature of the injury is related to the head.

Masood, who represented Pakistan in 25 Test matches and five ODIs, was recently added to the team for the T20 World Cup. He participated in all 12 of Pakistan's T20 International matches played in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. He made his T20I debut during Pakistan's seven-match home series against England.

Masood has made 220 runs while batting at position three in 12 T20Is, with an average of 24.44 and a strike rate of 125, including two fifty-plus scores. Usman Qadir, an injured leg-spinner, could be replaced by Fakhar Zaman, who was just drafted back into Pakistan's 15-man squad, if he is unable to play in the match on Sunday.

During Pakistan's washed-out exhibition match against Afghanistan on Wednesday in Brisbane, Zaman himself faced a fitness test as he is making a comeback from a knee injury.

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