![Babar Azam [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778342103277_BabarAzaminTestjersey.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam [Source: AFP]
The Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test match is currently underway, with the Men in Green in strong form after stumps on Day 2. However, a major missing part from the visitors' camp in Bangladesh was ace veteran Babar Azam.
Babar, who was primed to be one of the core choices in the playing XI, was left high and dry just before the toss of the Test match. He was quoted as injured before the match, but Imam-ul-Haq's recent statement on Babar Azam stunned many.
Why Did Babar Miss The BAN vs PAK 1st Test?
The Pakistan Test skipper, Shan Masood, announced Babar's absence from the first Test during the toss on the morning of May 8.
Masood shared that Babar's absence from the Test squad was because of an injury he suffered just ahead of the game during practice, labelling it as a ‘late call.’
Reports, though, indicated that he looked fit and fine even on the morning of the match and showed no signs of injury or illness. Nevertheless, Masood's lips remained tight on the veteran batter, as Imam-ul-Haq, the Pakistan opener, shared a detailed and shocking report on the cricketer's fitness.
Imam-ul-Haq Reveals Shocking Details On Babar Azam’s Injury
After Day 2, during a press conference, Imam-ul-Haq said Azam was completely fit before the match and had no update on his illness.
Although Imam was confused from a doctor and fitness point of view, it seemed like Babar was doing better and had no reason to miss the first Test.
"Babar Azam was looking fine to me. Doctors will tell better, but he seemed fine to me," Imam said in a press conference.
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Was Babar Forcefully Benched Before the Match?
Earlier reports suggested that Babar's inclusion on the injured list was a deliberate move by chief selector Aaqib Javed to provide playing opportunities to younger talent.
This might be because Babar's Test form has not been at his best since 2023. In the 10 Test innings he played in the year 2025, Babar averaged 31.5 while scoring 315 runs.
Although he has three half-centuries to his name, his poor average and inconsistent batting form might have been one of the reasons why Babar was allegedly dropped from the Test against Bangladesh.
How Have Pakistan Been Doing In Absence Of Babar Azam?
In the absence of Babar, Pakistan have been doing great though. After Bangladesh piled up a total of 413 runs on the board, Pakistan managed to score 179 at the loss of one wicket at the end of Day 2, as they currently trail Bangladesh by 234 runs.
Azan Awais, the debutant, is going strong with an unbeaten 133-ball 85, while Imam-ul-Haq himself was dismissed for just 45 runs after facing 72 deliveries.
Both the debutants, Abdullah Fazal and Awais, are currently at the crease and will probably justify Babar Azam's absence for the first Test.
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