Pakistan Opener Abdullah Fazal Ruled Out of West Indies, England Tests
The 23-year-old sustained a lower back injury during training in Trinidad, sidelining him for two major Test series.
Pakistan’s Test preparations have been dealt a significant setback just hours before the opening match against West Indies. Opening batter Abdullah Fazal has been ruled out of the entire Test series in the Caribbean and the upcoming three-match rubber in England due to an acute lower back injury.
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the news on July 24, stating that Fazal picked up the injury during a training session at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on July 23. An MRI scan and clinical assessment revealed that the 23-year-old requires a period of rehabilitation, ruling him out of both away assignments. The PCB has yet to announce a replacement for the squad.
Fazal made his international debut only a few months ago during the two-Test series in Bangladesh, where he impressed with twin half-centuries—60 and 66—on a challenging Mirpur surface. His absence leaves a gap at the top of the order as Pakistan prepares to face West Indies in Tarouba.