BECKENHAM, Engalnd: In a worrying development for Pakistan just days before their pivotal Test series against England, captain Babar Azam has been forced to retire hurt after being struck on the finger during the second day of the three-day warm-up fixture against the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI at the Kent County Cricket Ground.
The incident occurred on the final delivery of the 39th over when pacer Manny Lumsden unleashed a sharp delivery that thudded into Babar’s right hand.
🚨 MAJOR UPDATE ON BABAR AZAM 🚨
– Babar Azam has been ruled out of the practice match against PCC Select XI after being struck on the hand by the ball.
– The doctors have advised him to rest until Monday, August 17, 2026.
– Babar Azam is expected to return to Pakistan’s… pic.twitter.com/MQsWjk7DW3
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) August 14, 2026
The star batter immediately winced in pain, dropped his bat, and received on-field attention from the medical staff before walking off the ground, having scored just five runs from 17 deliveries. The blow marks the second time in a month that Babar has been struck on the hand, following a similar scare during Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies.
Rest recommended as precautionary measure
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Babar has been advised to sit out the remainder of the practice match as a precautionary measure, ensuring he remains fit for the three-match Test series against England, which begins on August 19 at Headingley.
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“Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam while batting during the second day of the ongoing three-day practice match at Kent County Cricket Club was struck on the right hand by a ball,” the PCB stated. “Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match.”
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The board further shared that the Pakistan captain is expected to rejoin training at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds on August 17, just two days before the series opener. His availability for the first Test, however, will depend on his recovery over the coming days.
