Pakistan opener ruled out of Test series against West Indies
Abdullah Fazal's injury comes at a time when Pakistan are looking to make gains in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Pakistan opener Abdullah Fazal has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against the West Indies and England after suffering a lower back injury during a training session in Tarouba.
The 23-year-old sustained the injury while training at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the venue for the opening Test against the West Indies.
An MRI scan and subsequent medical assessment confirmed he will require a period of rehabilitation, with no replacement named yet.
Fazal's absence is a setback for Pakistan after the youngster made an impressive start to his Test career.
He announced himself with half-centuries in both innings on debut against Bangladesh in May, finishing as Pakistan's leading run-scorer in the match.
His injury is expected to open the door for middle-order batter Awais Zafar, who was added to the squad as cover for the injured Saud Shakeel, to make his Test debut.
Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq is set to return at the top of the order after missing Pakistan's previous Test against Bangladesh, where Azan Awais and Fazal partnered in the opening slot.
The left-hand batter has so far made 141 runs in his two Tests, with two half-centuries and a highest score of 66 to his name.
The first West Indies-Pakistan Test kicks off on Saturday, 25 July in Tarouba.
Pakistan currently sit at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, while West Indies occupy the slot above them on eighth.