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Babar Azam Ruled Out of First Test Against Bangladesh Due to Knee Injury

Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh due to a left knee injury sustained during training. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the news, stating the team's medical panel is assessing his condition. His availability for the second Test starting May 16 remains uncertain. Pakistan currently sits fifth in the World Test Championship standings and needs positive results in the series.

Key Points: Babar Azam Out of 1st Test vs Bangladesh with Knee Injury

  • Babar Azam ruled out of first Test vs Bangladesh
  • Sustained left knee injury during training
  • Availability for second Test unclear
  • Pakistan sits fifth in WTC standings
2 min read

Babar Azam ruled out of 1st Test vs Bangladesh due to knee injury

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh due to a left knee injury, dealing a major blow to the team in the WTC series.

"Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to an injury in his left knee. - PCB"

Dhaka, May 8

Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test of the two-game series against Bangladesh after sustaining a knee injury, dealing a major blow to the side ahead of the series opener, according to the International Cricket Council.

Babar left training on Thursday to undergo a scan on his left knee, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later confirmed the right-hander would miss the opening match of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh.

"Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to an injury in his left knee," PCB said in a statement, as quoted by ICC.

"The team's medical panel is currently assessing his condition. Further updates will be shared in due course," the statement added.

It is unclear whether Babar will be available for the second Test of the series in Sylhet, with the match scheduled to begin on May 16.

Pakistan currently sit in fifth place on the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings and will be looking for a pair of positive results in Bangladesh to remain in touch with the top two teams.

Pakistan squad: 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.

Two-match Test series schedule:

First Test: May 8-12, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket StadiumSecond Test: May 16-20, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a big blow for Pakistan! Bangladesh is no pushover at home, and without Babar their batting looks thin. Shan Masood will have to step up big time as captain.
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Rohit P
Honestly, PCB's injury management has been questionable for years. So many players breaking down before important series. They need to look at the workload and rehabilitation protocols. Babar is too precious to lose like this.
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Emma D
As an Indian cricket fan, I genuinely feel for Babar. He's a class act and it's always sad when a player of his caliber misses a series. Hope he comes back stronger.
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Nisha Z
This is where Pakistan's bench strength will be tested. Guys like Aamir Jamal or maybe even an uncapped player needs to step up. Test cricket is all about handling pressure moments.
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Michael C
The WTC standings make this even more critical for Pakistan. Without Babar, their batting lineup looks a bit fragile. Bangladesh will be smelling blood! 🏏
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Varun X
Hoping for a speedy recovery, Babar! The fan in me wants to see him bat in the second Test. Pakistan cricket needs him fit for the long WTC cycle.

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