Babar Azam Injured, Will Miss First Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test match against Bangladesh due to a left knee injury.

Azam left the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka before finishing Thursday’s practice session. He went straight for an MRI scan on his knee. After checking the report, the team doctors confirmed he cannot play in the opening Test.

“Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to an injury in left knee,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement. “The team’s medical panel is currently assessing his condition. Further updates will be shared in due course.”

This is a big loss for Pakistan. Captain Shan Masood had recently said he expected Azam to carry his strong PSL form into the Test series. Azam had a fantastic PSL season. He scored 588 runs in 11 matches at an average of 73.02 and a strike rate of 145.90. He also helped Peshawar Zalmi win the title.

Azam has not scored a Test century since 2022. Fans and the team were hoping he would end that drought in this series.

The first Test starts in Dhaka on May 8. The second Test will be played in Sylhet from May 16.

                                               

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