Pak vs Nz: Imam, Babar ruled out of 1st test against New Zealand

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and opener Imam-ul-Haq are both unavailable in a first test match against Kiwis which is starting from 26 December.

As per reports, PCB has announced the 17- players test squad for two matches against New Zealand and also announced the unavailability of both players.

“Although it will be nearly two weeks to Babar’s injury when the first Test starts, it will be hard on him and the team to play him without any net sessions,” Misbah ul Haq was quoted as saying in a PCB press release.

He also added to his statement that,

“I remain confident and optimistic that other players will rise to the occasion in Mount Maunganui and use the opportunity to rise to the occasion.”

In Babar’s absence, wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan will lead the Pakistan test team.

“Babar’s absence means Mohammad Rizwan will captain the Pakistan side in the first Test. When he will step out for the toss on Saturday, he will become Pakistan’s 33rd captain to lead the side in the traditional format of the game,” the statement added.

Squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (captain for 1st Test), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, and Yasir Shah. (Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq not available for the first Test)

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