DHAKA: Pakistan cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh, with star batsman Babar Azam ruled out of the match due to a knee injury.
A statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that Babar Azam will not participate in the first Test to be played in Dhaka due to a left knee injury.
According to the PCB, Babar Azam’s injury is being assessed in detail, while further updates regarding his fitness will be released later.
The statement said that ‘Babar Azam’s condition is being assessed by the team’s medical panel, further information will be provided in due course.’
The two-Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is part of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, while the second Test will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.
Bangladesh is currently ranked 8th in the World Test Championship, having drawn one match and lost one. On the other hand, Pakistan is in fifth position with one win and one loss.
The Pakistan squad includes Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Imad Butt, Azan Owais, Hassan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
