Babar Azam to Miss First Test Against Bangladesh Due to Knee Injury

Babar Azam's Injury Update

Dhaka [Bangladesh], May 8: Babar Azam has been sidelined for the opening Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh following a knee injury, a significant setback for the team as reported by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

During a training session on Thursday, Babar had to leave early to get his left knee examined. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later confirmed that the right-handed batsman would not participate in the first match of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh.

According to a statement from the PCB, "Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to an injury in his left knee." The statement further noted that the medical team is currently evaluating his condition and will provide updates as they become available.

It remains uncertain if Babar will be fit to play in the second Test scheduled to commence on May 16 in Sylhet.

As it stands, Pakistan is positioned fifth in the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings and aims to secure favorable outcomes in Bangladesh to stay competitive with the leading teams.

Pakistan squad includes: Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi.

Test series schedule:

First Test: May 8-12, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium

Second Test: May 16-20, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.