Cricket Injury Update – Babar Azam Ruled Out of Bangladesh Test Opener
Cricket Injury Update – Pakistan suffered a major setback ahead of the opening Test against Bangladesh after star batter Babar Azam was ruled out with a knee injury. The first match of the two-Test series began on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
PCB Confirms Babar Azam’s Injury
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Babar Azam would not take part in the opening Test because of discomfort in his left knee. According to the board, the batter experienced pain before the match and was later sent for medical assessment. Team doctors are continuing to evaluate the issue, while officials have not yet provided clarity on whether he will miss the remainder of the series.
Babar reportedly left a training session on Thursday to undergo scans after feeling discomfort in the knee. The PCB stated that updates regarding his recovery and availability would be shared after further medical observation.
Injury Comes After Remarkable PSL Season
The timing of the injury has created concern within the Pakistan camp, especially considering Babar’s recent form in franchise cricket. The experienced batter enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Pakistan Super League 2026, where he emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. He also played a leading role in guiding Peshawar Zalmi to the championship title after an impressive season.
Babar had joined the Pakistan squad in Bangladesh earlier this week following the PSL final. Reports from training sessions suggested he looked comfortable during practice on the first two days. However, knee pain developed shortly before the Test, forcing the management to withdraw him from the playing XI.
Rare Absence in Pakistan’s Test Setup
The opening Test marked a rare absence for Babar Azam in overseas red-ball cricket. The right-handed batter has remained a regular figure in Pakistan’s Test side for several years and has consistently been among the team’s most dependable performers. Friday’s contest became his first missed away Test match since early 2021.
Pakistan now faces the challenge of restructuring its batting lineup without one of its most experienced players during an important ICC World Test Championship assignment. The series is considered significant for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the competition.
Pakistan Opts to Bowl First in Dhaka
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field first against Bangladesh in Dhaka. The visitors introduced fresh faces into the side, handing Test debuts to openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, welcomed back experienced fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain to strengthen the pace attack. Young pacer Nahid Rana retained his place after delivering notable performances in recent matches.
Playing XIs for the First Test
Bangladesh Playing XI: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain.
Pakistan Playing XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas.