Monday 2 February 2015 12:45, UK
Pakistan bowler Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the World Cup after failing a fitness test on Monday.
The 25-year-old suffered a thigh injury in training last month and has not been able to prove his fitness to take part in one-day cricket's showpiece event in Australia and New Zealand.
Junaid's absence is the latest setback to hit Pakistan's attack, with veteran Umar Gul also out with a knee injury and spinner Saeed Ajmal serving a suspension for an illegal bowling action.
He is expected to be replaced by fellow seamer Bilawal Bhatti, who has taken just six wickets in his nine ODIs to date.
"It's a heartbreak for me," said Junaid, who has taken 75 wickets at an average of 25.90 in his 48 one-day appearances for Pakistan.
"I couldn't pass the fitness test and am not able to play the World Cup. All my prayers are with the team."
Junaid has been battling injury since damaging his knee in October, forcing him to miss two months of cricket before returning for Pakistan's domestic one-day competition and impressing the selectors enough to earn selection in the 15-man squad for the World Cup.
Bhatti replaced Junaid in Pakistan's squad for the current tour of New Zealand, which is serving as preparation for the World Cup.
Pakistan get their tournament under way on February 15 with an eagerly awaited clash with rivals India, before facing Ireland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, West Indies and Zimbabwe in Pool B.
