Pakistan lose key batter to injury for first Bangladesh Test

Pakistan have suffered a massive blow with news that key batter Babar Azam will miss the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur due to a knee injury.

Babar left training on Thursday to undergo a scan on his left knee and Pakistan later confirmed the right-hander would miss the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh.

"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."

Babar recaptured some of his best form during the recent Pakistan Super League when he finished as the leading run-scorer and led Peshawar Zalmi to the title in his role as captain.

It is unclear whether Babar will be available for the second Test of the series in Sylhet, with that match scheduled to begin on May 16.

Pakistan currently sit in fifth place on the World Test Championship standings and will be looking for a pair of positive results in Bangladesh to remain in touch with the top two teams.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi

Series schedule:

First Test: May 8-12, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
Second Test: May 16-20, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium