In a major setback for the visiting side, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the opening Test match against England at Headingley due to a right-hand finger injury.
Head Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed the development during a pre-match press conference, announcing that versatile all-rounder Salman Ali Agha will captain the national side in Babar’s absence. Babar sustained the injury to his right middle finger after being struck by a ball during a warm-up fixture in Beckenham, which forced him to retire hurt.
Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed clarified that scans revealed no fracture, but severe pain remains, with the medical staff continuously monitoring his condition. The management remains hopeful that the star batsman will recover in time for the second Test. Meanwhile, in positive news for the squad, opening batsman Shan Masood has successfully recovered from his own finger injury and is fully fit and available for selection in the series opener.
