Babar Azam ruled out of Headingley Test

19-Aug-2026

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Pakistan faces a major challenge as captain Babar Azam is ruled out of the first Test against England at Headingley due to a right-hand injury. 

Salman Ali Agha will captain the team for the first time, stepping up despite being a relatively new Test player. Babar's injury, sustained during a warm-up match, is under medical assessment with hopes for a second Test return. 

The team must compensate for the loss of their experienced batter in a tough English series.