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.

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.