Key Points
Imam stretchered off after serious jaw injury during batting
ICC allows like-for-like concussion replacement
Usman Khan returns to playing XI
Second consecutive ODI with concussion substitution
The decision came after opener Imam-ul-Haq suffered a serious injury early in Pakistan’s innings.
Imam, who had returned to the side replacing Usman for the match, was struck on the jaw by the ball while completing a single. The blow was severe enough to warrant immediate medical attention, and the southpaw had to be stretchered off the field. Following a medical assessment, the team management confirmed that Imam had sustained a concussion and would play no further part in the game.
As per ICC regulations, a team is allowed to bring in a like-for-like concussion substitute in such scenarios. Pakistan named Usman Khan as Imam’s replacement - a move well within the framework of the rules.
"Usman Khan has been named the concussion substitute for Imam-ul-Haq, who sustained an injury after being struck on the jaw by the ball," the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed in a social media post.
Usman, who had impressed with a quick cameo in the series opener before missing the second game due to a hamstring concern, returned to the field but failed to make a major impact. He was dismissed for just 12 runs by New Zealand pacer Mohammad Abbas.
This incident marks the second consecutive ODI in which a Pakistani player has suffered a concussion. In the previous match, Naseem Shah had replaced Haris Rauf, who was hit on the helmet while batting.
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