DHAKA
Pakistan’s cricket hopes took a major hit as star batter Babar Azam was ruled out of the opening Test match against Bangladesh. The former captain suffered a left knee injury during a practice session, forcing him to undergo medical scans that confirmed he is unfit to play in the series opener.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement confirming the news, noting that their medical team is closely monitoring Babar’s condition. While the injury is a significant setback for the team’s batting lineup, it remains unclear if he will recover in time for the second Test, which is set to begin in Sylhet on May 16.
This series is crucial for Pakistan as they currently sit fifth in the World Test Championship standings. To stay in the race for a top-two finish, the team needs strong results in both matches. Without their most experienced player, the pressure now falls on captain Shan Masood and the rest of the squad to perform under difficult conditions away from home.
The first Test is being held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium and is a vital part of the 2025-2027 championship cycle. Fans are anxiously waiting for further updates on Babar’s health, hoping their star player can return to the field soon. For now, Pakistan must find a way to overcome a disciplined Bangladesh side without their leading run-scorer.
