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DHAKA: Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar Azam has been ruled out of the opening Test against Bangladesh after sustaining a left knee injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.
The 31-year-old was sidelined following a medical assessment on the eve of the match in Dhaka. The injury is a significant blow to the visitors as they begin a two-Test series, a critical fixture in their ICC World Test Championship cycle.
“Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to an injury in his left knee,” the PCB said in a statement. “The team’s medical panel is currently assessing his condition. Further updates will be shared in due course.”
The first Test is scheduled to begin Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Pakistan currently sits mid-table in the World Test Championship standings, and the loss of their most prolific run-scorer complicates their push for progression.
Babar’s absence is expected to force a reshuffle in the top order, potentially opening the door for an uncapped player to make a debut under captain Shan Masood.
The medical team has not yet provided a timeline for his return, leaving his participation in the second Test, which begins on May 16 in Sylhet, in doubt.
