LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan have suffered a significant setback ahead of the opening Test against Bangladesh after star batter Babar Azam was ruled out of the match due to a knee injury.
The team management confirmed that Babar will miss the first Test, which begins on Friday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. The nature of the injury was described as a knee problem, although officials have not yet disclosed the severity or a possible recovery timeline.
According to the team management, Pakistan’s medical staff are continuing to assess the condition of the former captain. Further updates regarding Babar’s fitness and availability for the remainder of the series are expected in the coming days.
Babar’s absence comes as a major concern for Pakistan, given his importance to the batting line-up across all formats. The right-hander remains one of Pakistan’s most experienced and dependable Test batters, and his unavailability leaves a sizeable gap in the middle order ahead of a crucial away fixture.
The two-match series against Bangladesh national cricket team marks Pakistan’s second assignment in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Pakistan will now be forced to reshuffle their batting combination as they aim to begin the series strongly in challenging subcontinent conditions.
Speaking ahead of the match, Pakistan captain Shan Masood indicated that the Mirpur surface appeared favourable for fast bowlers. He said the team management would make a final decision on the playing XI after conducting one last inspection of the pitch before the start of play.
The conditions in Mirpur are expected to play a key role in team selection, with both sides likely to balance their attacks carefully between pace and spin. Pakistan’s think tank may now also have to reconsider the batting order following Babar’s injury-enforced absence.
The opening Test is scheduled to begin tomorrow in Dhaka, where Pakistan will look to overcome the setback and gain an early advantage in the series despite missing one of their biggest stars.