Pakistan have received a huge setback ahead of the second and final Test against West Indies. Former captain Shan Masood has been ruled out of the match after suffering a finger injury during the first Test.
Pakistan are already trailing 1-0 in the two-match series after losing the opening Test by 90 runs. The second Test has now become a must-win game for Babar Azam‘s side if they want to avoid a series defeat. The match will begin on August 2 at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.
Why has Shan Masood been ruled out of the second Test?
Shan Masood injured the index finger of his left hand during the first Test in Trinidad.
The injury happened when a delivery from West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales struck his finger while he was batting. After medical scans and clinical tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Masood will miss the second Test.
According to the PCB, the team medical staff is currently treating the experienced batter.
Will Shan Masood play in the England Test series?
There is also doubt over Shan Masood’s availability for Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against England.
The first Test against England is scheduled to begin on August 19 in Leeds.
The PCB said a final decision on his participation will depend on how well he recovers in the coming weeks. Until then, Masood will continue to stay with the Pakistan squad.
How did Shan Masood perform in the first Test?
Despite suffering the injury, Shan Masood played an excellent innings in the first Test.
He scored 109 runs in the first innings and added 3 runs in the second innings. His century was one of the few positives for Pakistan in a match they eventually lost by 90 runs.
So far in his Test career, Masood has played:
- 47 Tests
- 2,765 runs
- Batting average: 31.06
- 7 centuries
- 14 half-centuries
- Highest score: 156
Who could replace Shan Masood in the playing XI?
Pakistan already have a few batting changes in the squad.
Experienced batters Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel are part of the team. Abdullah had earlier missed the first Test because of a back injury.
Young right-handed batter Awais Zafar is now in line to make his Test debut if Pakistan decide to give him an opportunity in the second Test.
How are Pakistan and West Indies doing in the WTC standings?
Pakistan are currently at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings in ninth place.
West Indies are one place above them in eighth position.
A defeat in the second Test would further hurt Pakistan’s chances in the WTC 2025-27 cycle.
When is the second Pakistan vs West Indies Test?
The second and final Test of the series will be played at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.
Series Schedule
- 1st Test: West Indies won by 90 runs.
- 2nd Test: August 2-6, 2026, Port of Spain.
Pakistan will be aiming to level the series, while West Indies will look to complete a memorable 2-0 clean sweep at home.