Pakistan will be without batter Shan Masood for the upcoming second Test against the West Indies at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, which is set to begin this Sunday. The left-handed batsman was ruled out following an injury to the index finger of his left hand, sustained when he was struck by a delivery from Jayden Seales during Pakistan's first innings in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. Pakistan ultimately lost that first match by 90 runs.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the development in an official statement, noting that Masood has undergone a scan and clinical assessment. He is currently receiving treatment from the team's medical panel and will remain with the squad as he recovers. The PCB also indicated that Masood’s availability for the upcoming Test series against England, which begins with the opening match in Leeds on August 19, remains uncertain and will depend on his ongoing clinical progress and recovery.
Masood’s absence creates a significant hole in the batting lineup following a struggling performance in the first Test. Team management is now weighing several options for his replacement. Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel, who were drafted into the squad after Abdullah Fazal was ruled out of the series with a back injury, are both considered strong candidates to step into the side. Additionally, uncapped batter Awais Zafar has been identified as a potential contender for a Test debut.
