The test captain Babar Azam has sustained an injury to his right hand during the warm-up game against England, raising concerns over his availability for the first test of the Pakistan tour of England 2026 starting next week.
He retired hurt after scoring just five runs on the second day against a professional County Club select XI.
The Pakistan batter was assessed by the team’s medical staff after being struck on the hand and was advised to take no further part in the three-day fixture.
The Pakistan batter was assessed by the team’s medical staff after the blow to the hand and was advised to take no further part in the three-day fixture.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said that the decision was precautionary and that Babar is expected to return to training on Monday.
“Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remaining practice match,” the PCB said.
However, a source from the Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Babar Azam is expected to join the team’s practice session at Headingley.
Babar Azam’s return to training should ease some concerns in the Pakistan camp, particularly his importance to the top order and his position as Test captain.
The 31-year-old recently led the side in a two-match Test series against West Indies, which ended 1-1. He remains an integral part of Pakistan’s batting plans as they prepare for crucial Test series in England.
There is no indication from the PCB that the injury rules out Babar Azam from the first Test.
Currently, England and Pakistan are in the 7th and 8th positions of the WTC 2025-27 points table and will be looking to make a move forward in the standings.
The three-match Test series will begin on August 19 at Headingley, while the second and third test set to begin on August 27 and September 13 at Lord’s and Edgbaston.
Pakistan Squad for England Tests: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Aamir Jamal, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Khurram Shahzad, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Ubaid Shah, Ali Usman, Awais Zafar