Abdullah Fazal ruled out of West Indies Tests

Pakistan opener Abdullah Fazal has been ruled out of the West Indies two-Test series and the following England tour because of a lower-back injury sustained during a training session in Trinidad, with rehab advised and a replacement for both assignments to be named later. An MRI and medical assessment confirmed the need for rehabilitation, casting doubt on Fazal’s ability to contribute in the West Indies Tests and the England fixtures. Fazal’s absence removes a key top-order option after he had impressed in the warm-up and in his two Test appearances, prompting Pakistan to shift plans for the batting order. The PCB indicated that Imam-ul-Haq or Awais Zafar could step into the top or middle orders as needed, while Saud Shakeel’s fragile form had previously created a lineup balancing challenge. The first Test is set to begin at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, with the squad led by captain Babar Azam and a mix of established players and hopeful debuts awaiting replacement announcements. Pakistan will monitor Fazal’s rehabilitation and determine a long-term replacement in due course as they aim to build momentum ahead of World Test Championship objectives.