Injury Or Politics? Babar Azam's Ouster From PAK vs BAN 1st Test Cleared By Shan Masood

Babar Azam in Test jersey [Source: AFP]The Pakistan vs Bangladesh two-match Test series is scheduled to begin from May 8. The first Test to be played at the Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka will see a Babar Azam-less team under Shan Masood. While Babar was one of the primary names that was announced during the squad release, his absence in the very first game sparked concerns. Interestingly, just a day ahead of the match, in a press conference, Masood confirmed his faith and lauded the strength of the top-order batting, including Imam-ul-Haq and other stars like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. However, his sudden absence has now left the Pakistan Test squad in disarray. Why Babar Azam Is Not Playing PAK vs BAN 1st Test? As per the Pakistan Test skipper, Babar's cause for the absence from the Bangladesh vs Pakistan first Test was nothing but injury. During the toss on the morning of May 8, Masood clarified the reason behind Babar's absence from the Test squad as two fresh faces, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, earned their debut in the national side. “Unfortunately, Babar misses out after a late call. We didn’t want to take any risks with him, but we’re looking forward to seeing the two debutants in action,” Masood said at the toss. While Masood was short and crisp with Babar's mishap, he was pretty much excited for the young debutants and placed his faith in the youngsters to do well in the game. Also Read- IPL Format Change Announced By BCCI“Very exciting. Azan Awais will make his debut as an opener. He has been a very consistent performer in domestic cricket. Abdullah Fazal also earned his opportunity after scoring a century and winning Player of the Match in the recently concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. We’re really excited to see both youngsters,” Masood shared in the toss. Babar Azam Actually Fit To Play; Internal Politics Comes To The Forefront However, information from various sources suggests another story. It is likely that a clash between Babar and the Pakistan chief selector, Aaqib Javed, took place, which might have cost Babar his place in the playing XI. As per an X handle of Nibraz Ramzan, a cricket writer at DailyCricketSL, reports suggested that Babar is actually fit and uninjured. In fact, he even took full part in the practice session without any signs of injury or struggle. Babar Kicked Out By Chief Selector? The reports suggest that his inclusion on the injured list was a deliberate step by the chief selector to provide playing opportunities to younger talents.Nibraz Ramzan @nibraz88cricket Clarification on Babar Azam’s Availability Sources indicate that Babar Azam is fit and uninjured, having taken full part in today’s practice session. Reports suggest his inclusion on the injured list was a deliberate step by chief selector Aaqib Javed to provide playing May 8, 2026, 12:51 AM Consequently, Babar Azam is displeased with the decision, and there might have been quite a big tussle between the two, since Babar was expecting to feature in the playing XI in Dhaka.Is Babar’s Absence Beneficial For Pakistan Test Team? Test cricket hasn't been at its best for Babar since 2023, although earlier, Babar boasted averages of 69.64, 34.66, 67.6, and 68.44. His drop in Test form since 2023 is a concern. In fact, from the 10 innings he played in 2025, he averaged 31.5 while scoring only 315 runs and having three half-centuries to his name. However, his inclusion in the Bangladesh Test should have been mandatory, since Babar boasts a solid track record in those conditions. In Bangladesh, Babar Azam has played two Test matches in which he garnered 99 runs at an average of 49.5. Nevertheless, Babar's absence has now made way for Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais, as the duo are also talented young individuals set to shine in the away game against Bangladesh.Also Read- PAK vs BAN Live Streaming, Live Telecast in India 1st Test- Where to Watch Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 2026 Live?