Babar Azam ruled out of 1st Bangladesh Test

Pakistan tour of Bangladesh, 2026
by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on Thu, May 7, 2026 • 5:08 PM

Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been ruled out of the opening Test against Bangladesh due to a knee injury. Azam left the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium before the end of Thursday's training session to undergo an MRI scan on his left knee.

Following an assessment of the report by the touring side's medical team, it was confirmed that the right-handed batter would miss 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," PCB said in a statement. "The team's medical panel is currently assessing his condition. Further updates will be shared in due course," it added.

It comes as a huge blow for the visitors considering skipper Shan Masood had recently backed Azam to carry his PSL form into the Test series against Bangladesh. Azam, who has not scored a Test century since 2022, enjoyed an impressive PSL campaign, amassing 588 runs in 11 matches at an average of 73.02 and a strike rate of 145.90 to help Peshawar Zalmi clinch the title.

The first Test is scheduled to begin in Dhaka on May 8, while the second Test will be played in Sylhet from May 16.