Bangladesh vs Pakistan: First Test Begins Without Babar Azam

Bangladesh and Pakistan Clash in First Test

Bangladesh is currently facing Pakistan in the opening Test of their two-match series at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium located in Dhaka. This match marks the first Test being held globally since January. For Pakistan, this game is crucial as they strive to improve their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, enhancing their chances of reaching the final for the first time. However, they will be competing without their key player, Babar Azam, in the lineup.

Babar Azam's Absence Explained

Why Babar Azam Is Not Playing

Babar Azam has been excluded from the playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh due to a left knee injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed this in a statement released a day before the match commenced. The PCB noted, “Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to an injury in his left knee. The team’s medical panel is currently assessing his condition. Further updates will be shared in due course.”

After participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 final for Peshawar Zalmi against Hyderabad Kingsmen on May 3, Babar arrived in Bangladesh just hours later. He practiced for two days without any visible issues. However, he experienced pain in his left knee upon waking up on the morning of May 7. Following a medical evaluation, he was deemed unfit for the first Test.

Playing XIs for the First Test

Bangladesh Vs Pakistan 1st Test Playing XIs

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood(c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas

Squads for the First Test

Bangladesh Vs Pakistan 1st Test Squads

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Shan Masood(c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Khurram Shahzad, Hasan Ali, Amad Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, Ghazi Ghori, Abdullah Fazal
Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Amite Hasan