Pakistan have suffered a major setback ahead of the opening Test against England, with captain and star batter Babar Azam ruled out of the series opener at Headingley.
Babar has been sidelined because of a right-hand injury that has failed to fully recover. The 31-year-old suffered an impact to the same hand during Pakistan’s recent Test against the West Indies before aggravating the injury during a warm-up match in Beckenham.
Pakistan’s head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that Babar is unavailable for the first Test. Although medical assessments have indicated that there is no fracture, swelling and pain remain concerns for the team management.
In Babar’s absence, Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan in the Test for the first time. Salman has previously led Pakistan in limited-overs cricket but now faces a major challenge as Pakistan begin their three-match series in England.
The loss of Babar is a significant blow to Pakistan’s batting lineup. The former captain remains one of the country’s most experienced and influential batters in Test cricket, and his absence leaves Pakistan without their regular leader at a crucial moment.
Babar did take part in batting practice before the Test, raising hopes that he could recover in time. However, the medical team ultimately decided that he was not fit enough to take part in the opening match.