Pakistan rocked by injury ahead of West Indies Tests, Abdullah Fazal ruled out
Babar Azam, Roston Chase (Instagram/@windiescricket)
Published - 25 Jul 2026, 04:30 AM• Read time - 2 mins
Pakistan have been rocked by an injury ahead of their Test series against West Indies as Abdullah Fazal has been ruled out due to back issues. Fazal will also miss the subsequent series against England in August after sustaining an acute lower back injury during a training session on July 23 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Ground in Trinidad, the venue for the first Test.
Following his injury, he underwent an MRI scan and a clinical assessment by the Pakistan team’s medical panel, which confirmed Abdullah will need a period of rehabilitation and has been ruled out of both series. Babar Azam, who returns to lead the Test team after stepping down from his position in November 2023, wished Abdullah well on his path to recovery.
"I wish Abdullah good luck and hope he recovers well. The kind of talent he is, I found very inspiring. He was very confident after his first series and his morale was very high,” Babar was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
Fazal has established himself as one of Pakistan's brightest young prospects since making his Test debut against Bangladesh in May. He announced himself with half-centuries in both innings of his maiden Test, finishing as Pakistan's highest run-scorer in the match.
He further strengthened his case ahead of the upcoming series with good outings in both innings of Pakistan's tour game against a West Indies Select XI, scoring unbeaten 50 and 48, further sealing his place for the first Test. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that his replacement will be announced in due course.
Who will take Abdullah's place?
Fazal's injury will present an opportunity to middle-order batter Awais Zafar to make his Test debut. Zafar was drafted into the squad as a replacement for Saud Shakeel, who was ruled out due to fitness concerns.
Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq, who missed Pakistan's last Test against Bangladesh, where Azan Awais and Fazal opened the batting, is expected to make a return at the top of the order.