Babar Azam Ruled Out of First Test Against Bangladesh
In a major setback for Pakistan, star batter Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test match against Bangladesh due to a left knee injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the news on Thursday, just a day before the series opener in Dhaka.
According to the PCB, the 31-year-old experienced discomfort in his left knee and will miss the opening Test, scheduled from May 8 to 12 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The team’s medical panel is currently assessing the extent of the injury, and further updates on his fitness and recovery timeline will be shared soon.
Babar Azam has been in outstanding form recently. He emerged as the highest run-scorer in PSL 11, smashing 588 runs in 11 innings with a brilliant average of 73.02 and a strike rate of 145.90. His explosive batting included two centuries and three half-centuries. He was particularly impressive in the Qualifier against Islamabad United, where his century helped Peshawar Zalmi reach the final.
This absence is a significant blow for Pakistan, as Babar is one of the world’s top batters and a key pillar of the team’s middle order. His leadership and experience will be sorely missed in what is expected to be a tough contest in Bangladesh.
The updated Pakistan squad for the first Test is as follows: Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakistan will now have to reshuffle their batting lineup for the crucial series opener. Fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Babar Azam so he can join the team for the remaining matches.
