No Babar Azam in Pakistan's 1st Test Against Bangladesh? Here’s the Reason

The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh is being played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka, one of the best cricket stadiums in the world. However, Pakistan have suffered a major blow as their star batter Babar Azam is not a part of this match.

Babar, who is the backbone of Pakistan's batting line-up, has been ruled out of the match due an unfortunate injury that he suffered just a day prior to the match. Pakistan captain Shan Masood announced Babar's absence at the toss.

Why Babar Azam Is Not Playing Today?

Babar Azam has been ruled out of the BAN vs PAK 1st Test due to injury in his left knee. His condition is been closely monitored by Pakistan's medical team and the decision about his participation for the rest of the series will be taken later.

Babar was the latest arrival from Pakistan's squad for this series. He arrived in Bangladesh on Monday, just hours after his team, Peshawar Zalmi's PSL title win. He trained for a couple of days with his teammates without any trouble. However, he felt some pain in his left knee a day before the match.

Babar Azam injury will affect Pakistan's team combination given that he is one of the best batsmen in the world. At No. 4, Babar provides solidity to Pakistan's batting order, which is short of experience.

Pakistan Win Toss, Hand 2 Debuts

Pakistan won the toss and chose to field on a pitch that seemed to be favorable to pacers. They also handed two debuts to Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal. While Awais is expected to open the batting, Fazal is likely to bat in the middle order as Babar Azam replacement.

The middle order looks sorted with Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. The Men in Green have opted to go with three pacers and Noman Ali will be the lone spinner in the Playing 11.

With no Babar Azam in the team, it will be a great opportunity for the youngsters to stake a claim in the first-choice Playing 11. The series will be an important one for both teams with crucial WTC points at stake.