Sun Feb 09 13:09:48 UTC 2025: **New Zealand Batsman Rachin Ravindra Ruled Out of Tri-Series Match After Head Injury**
LAHORE, PAKISTAN – New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra will miss his team’s upcoming match against South Africa after suffering a serious head injury during a tri-series One Day International (ODI) match against Pakistan. Ravindra was struck on the forehead by a ball while attempting a catch during Pakistan’s innings on February 8th. The impact caused a significant wound, resulting in profuse bleeding. He received immediate medical attention on the field and was subsequently taken to the hospital for stitches.
While the New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) reports Ravindra is otherwise recovering well and under observation following head injury assessment (HIA) protocols, his participation in the February 10th match is deemed unlikely.
Speculation suggests the incident may have been caused by the low-hanging floodlights at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The white floodlights allegedly made it difficult to track the incoming ball, potentially contributing to the injury. The incident occurred while Ravindra was attempting a catch, with his hands positioned lower than expected, suggesting he failed to see the ball approaching. The NZC has not officially confirmed this theory.
First Piper 