LAHORE: Ahead of the expected West Indies tour to home in coming days, Pakistan?s hope of maintaining the in-form bowling unit have dealt a major blow, as fast bowler Usman Shinwari is ruled out from playing international cricket for at least next six months, sources informed Geo News.

Reportedly, the medical camp of Pakistan Cricket Board has informed the team management that Shinwari may take next four to six months to recover from the injury. The pacer is facing a serious stress fracture of the back.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still waiting for a final word from Cricket West Indies (CWI) on the proposed tour of Pakistan by the West Indies team for a series of three T20Is.

PCB awaits final word from West Indies on proposed tour

CWI is looking for reciprocation from PCB for the tour and PCB has suggested two different options

Meanwhile, a source in PCB has confirmed to Geo.tv that PCB has sent the proposed itinerary and the related plans to the CWI and the board is now waiting for the final approval.

?We are hoping for a reply from them by Wednesday,? said the source.

A joint statement from PCB and CWI had stated that Cricket West Indies and Pakistan Cricket Board were advancing discussions that would see the West Indies team play three T20 matches against Pakistan in Lahore in late November.