Pakistan’s preparations for the highly anticipated two-match Test series against the West Indies have been disrupted by the injury of 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan.
The youngster suffered a hand injury during practice, requiring stitches that have ruled him out of contention for the series.
Haseebullah, who has represented Pakistan in one ODI and three T20Is, was poised to serve as the backup wicketkeeper to Mohammad Rizwan. This marks another missed opportunity for the emerging talent, who had been gaining recognition for his performances in recent months.
The Quetta-born cricketer debuted in T20Is on January 21, 2024, opening the batting under Shaheen Shah Afridi’s leadership during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand.
Haseebullah later made his ODI debut on November 24, 2024, in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe, with Rizwan leading the side. Despite limited opportunities, his inclusion in the squad signalled Pakistan’s commitment to nurturing young talent for the future.
The injury news comes as the West Indies cricket team arrived in Pakistan for their first Test series since 2006. The historic tour includes two Tests at the Multan Cricket Stadium and begins with a three-day practice match against the Pakistan Shaheens starting January 10.
These teams last met in the longer format in the Caribbean in 2021, where the series ended in a 1-1 draw. However, the West Indies have toured Pakistan thrice for limited-overs fixtures since 2018, demonstrating the strengthening of cricketing ties between the nations.