Pakistan batter Babar Azam will miss the first Test against Bangladesh after suffering a left knee injury, dealing a significant blow to the touring side ahead of the series opener.
The update was made by the team management, stating that Babar Azam will not be available for the opening match of the two-Test away series. The first Test is scheduled to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8 to 12.
According to the statement, Babar Azam is currently being assessed by the team’s medical panel, which will determine the nature and extent of the injury. More information on his fitness is expected once the evaluation is complete.
His absence comes at a time when he appeared to be regaining top form. The prolific batter recently lead Peshawar Zalmi to their second Pakistan Super League title, finishing as the leading run-scorer in PSL 11, scoring 588 runs in 11 innings at an average of 73.02 and a strike rate of 145.90, including two centuries and three half-centuries.
After his century in the Qualifier against Islamabad United, Babar had said he was beginning to feel close to his best again, making his injury setback even more untimely for Pakistan.
Pakistan have already named their squad for the opening Test, with Shan Masood set to lead the side. The squad includes Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.