Musheer Khan suffers neck injury in car accident, ruled out of upcoming Ranji season

New Delhi: Indian cricketer Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Test player Sarfaraz Khan, is recovering from a neck fracture sustained in a road accident on the outskirts of Lucknow. The promising all-rounder, known for his impressive century on debut, is currently hospitalized at Medanta Hospital in Lucknow, where he is in stable condition. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) are in close contact with the medical team overseeing his treatment.

How did it happen?

The incident occurred while Musheer was traveling from his hometown of Azamgarh to Lucknow in preparation for the upcoming Irani Cup, which begins on October 1. He was accompanied by his father and coach, Naushad Khan, who suffered minor injuries. The accident took place on the Purvanchal Expressway when their car collided with a divider and overturned.

Medical update on Musheer Khan

At just 19 years old, Musheer is expected to miss at least three months of cricket due to the severity of his neck injury, ruling him out of the initial matches of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, which kicks off on October 11. Dr. Bhola Singh, the medical superintendent at Medanta Hospital, provided an update, stating, "Cricketer Musheer Khan, injured in a road accident on the Purvanchal Expressway, was brought to the emergency department due to pain in his neck. His treatment is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Dharmendra Singh, Director of Orthopedics. His condition is stable and he is out of danger."

Medical Update from MCA: Musheer Khan has sustained a fracture in the neck region and is under close observation. Wish him a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/aMojnKFGrK

— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) September 28, 2024

MCA's assurance of care

The Mumbai Cricket Association issued a statement confirming Musheer’s stable condition, noting he is "conscious and well-oriented." MCA Secretary Abhay Hadap added, "He has sustained a fracture in the neck region and is under close observation. The BCCI and MCA medical teams are closely monitoring his progress to ensure he receives the best possible care." Musheer will be transferred to Mumbai for further evaluation once he is medically fit for travel.

Impact on Musheer’s career

This setback comes as a big blow to Musheer, who was anticipated to be a key player in India's A team for an upcoming tour to Australia later this year. The young cricketer has already achieved notable success in his career, scoring three centuries and a half-century in nine First-Class matches, including a remarkable double hundred in last season’s Ranji Trophy quarter-finals.

As reigning Ranji Trophy champions, Mumbai is set to face the Rest of India in the Irani Cup at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium from October 1-5, followed by their Ranji campaign starting October 11 against Baroda.