Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies have suffered a significant setback with the injury of wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan.
The 21-year-old has been ruled out of the two-match series after sustaining an injury to his hand, which required stitches.
The young wicketkeeper was struck on the hand by the ball during practice and, as a result, will not be available for selection in the upcoming matches.
Haseebullah, who has represented Pakistan in one ODI and three T20Is, was set to be named as the second wicketkeeper in the squad alongside Mohammad Rizwan for the series against the West Indies.
He made his T20I debut on January 21, 2024, in Christchurch, opening the batting under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Just months later, he played his first ODI on November 24, 2024 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan.
It is pertinent to mention that the West Indies cricket team arrived in Pakistan on Monday to participate in a two-match Test series, marking their return to the country for a Test series after 18 years.
As part of their preparations, the visitors will play a three-day practice match against Pakistan Shaheens starting on January 10.
This tour is a significant milestone for Pakistan cricket, as it marks the first Test series on Pakistani soil featuring the West Indies since their 2006 visit.
While this is the first longer-format series in nearly two decades, the West Indies have toured Pakistan three times since 2018 for limited-overs fixtures.
The rivalry between Pakistan and the West Indies spans 54 Test matches, with Pakistan leading the head-to-head record with 21 wins.
The West Indies have 18 victories, while 15 matches ended in draws.
The last Test series between the two sides took place in 2021 in the Caribbean, ending in a 1-1 draw.
West Indies Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican.
