DHAKA: Babar Azam has been ruled out of Pakistan’s first Test against Bangladesh after suffering a left knee injury ahead of the series opener at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday.
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The setback comes as a major blow for Pakistan, with fans eagerly awaiting Babar’s return to Test cricket following his impressive performances in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League season.
In a statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the injury.
“Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to an injury in left knee,” the PCB said, adding that the team’s medical panel was assessing his condition.
Babar’s absence leaves Pakistan’s batting order reshuffled and opens the door for uncapped youngsters Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais to potentially make their Test debuts.
One of the two is expected to open alongside Imam-ul-Haq, while Pakistan captain Shan Masood may move into the crucial number-four position.
The young batters are likely to face a stern challenge against Bangladesh’s dangerous pace attack featuring Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam on a green Dhaka pitch expected to assist fast bowlers.
Despite the challenge, Shan expressed confidence in his squad’s adaptability.
“I think we’ve brought a squad of 16 that is a very well-rounded squad — a squad that can play in most conditions,” Shan said during the pre-match press conference.
Pakistan enter the series carrying the painful memory of their shocking 2-0 home Test series defeat to Bangladesh two years ago — the first time Bangladesh had beaten Pakistan in the longest format.
However, Shan rejected suggestions that the series was about revenge.
“We’re not going to look for the word revenge,” he said. “What’s important for us is our process and how we play the game.”
Pakistan’s recent Test struggles have seen the team slip in the ICC World Test Championship standings over the past few years, but Shan believes consistency can still guide Pakistan toward bigger goals.
“For us it starts with tomorrow and playing good cricket,” he said. “Every cricketer and every team has dreams of playing finals and trophies.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his side’s focus would be on posting big first-innings totals to support their pace attack.
“The important thing is scoring runs,” Najmul said, while also claiming Bangladesh’s fast bowling unit may currently hold a slight edge over Pakistan’s.
Bangladesh have further strengthened their squad with the inclusion of aggressive opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim and the return of Taskin Ahmed from injury.
The high-stakes series is expected to play a major role in shaping both teams’ campaigns in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
