New Zealand cricket star Rachin Ravindra suffered a worrying blow to the face after misjudging a catch during his side’s ODI win over Pakistan in Lahore on Saturday.
The 25-year-old allrounder was left bleeding profusely after losing sight of the ball as he attempted a catch during the 38th over.
The crowd looked on with concern as Ravinda was treated by medical officials and was escorted from the pitch.
Ravindra suffered a nasty gash from the ball, but has reportedly passed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).
‘He’s been conscious the whole time, which is fantastic,’ Kiwi teammate Glenn Phillips told reporters afterwards.
‘Obviously it was a pretty terrifying moment, he lost the ball in the lights and unfortunately the ball won that situation this time.
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra suffered a shocking blow to the head on Saturday
The 25-year-old allrounder was fielding at deep square leg when he lost sight of the ball
‘He’s being monitored and I’m sure he’ll be raring to go as soon as possible.’
Cricket fans have since taken to social media to question the safety of players in Pakistan, with the country having a recent poor track record when it comes to on-field incidents.
One fan posted: ‘How did @ICC allowed Pakistan’s ground to host international matches?? ICC should ensure players safety and if Pakistan can’t provide shift CHAMPIONS TROPHY to Dubai.’
Another added: ‘Rachin Ravindra is a far better fielder than the whole team of Pakistan, still can’t see the ball while catching?? Poor lights of Gaddafi Stadium.’
While Ravindra’s injury was shocking setback, the Kiwi’s went on to win the match thanks to Philips’ maiden one-day international century.
‘ODI cricket has been my favourite format growing up and it’s always something I’ve been reaching for to get that century,’ said Phillips.
Ravindra left the field with a nasty gash on his head and is said to have passed a head injury assessment (HIA)
‘It was a pretty surreal moment, I’ve been chasing it for a couple of years now, obviously batting at six, it doesn’t mean your opportunities to score a hundred are always there.
‘Thankfully today everything lined up nicely.’
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19 in Karachi.
