The 25-year-old Ali had sustained a back injury during the opening round of last year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, and though he returned to action later, in the subsequent rounds of the tournament, as well as in the Pakistan Super League, the pain in the back persisted. Now, according to an ESPNcricinfo report, it has emerged that the pacer is suffering from an intervertebral disc protrusion.

A decision is yet to be taken if Ali, who was due to fly out to Australia for treatment but has been unable to because of the global travel restrictions, will require surgery.

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“We feel for him,” Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s head coach and chief selector, said. “There is no time limit for this return, but we are determined to bring him back. He is an absolutely great guy, a hard-working athlete and fights for the team. This is why we are with him and the board is giving him full support in every way possible. He was very well taken care of earlier, when he got injured, and even now we are standing behind him. We will make sure he will get proper treatment, and rehabilitation will be carried out to get him fit as soon as possible.”

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Once among the country’s brightest young prospects, Ali was among the chief forces that vaulted Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy. His career has been derailed by a combination of injuries and loss of form lately, leading to his exclusion from the annual list of central contracts that was announced earlier this week.