Key Takeaways
- Pakistan Test batter Shan Masood could miss upcoming Sri Lanka series.
- Injury expected to keep Masood out for two to three weeks.
- First Test against Sri Lanka scheduled for Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13.
Pakistan Test batter Shan Masood faces an injury scare ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Reports indicate that Masood, who plays for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), suffered a calf injury during a President’s Trophy Grade-I match.
The left-handed batter experienced discomfort in his left calf, which has ruled him out of the ongoing final round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I. Masood is expected to return to action after completing his rehabilitation, but his availability for the upcoming Test series remains uncertain.
Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan will begin with a three-day warm-up match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6. The first Test will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, followed by the second Test at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
Both Test matches will be part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. Masood’s potential absence comes just months after he was replaced as Pakistan’s Test captain by Babar Azam in July.
During his captaincy, Masood led Pakistan in 16 Tests, recording four wins and 12 losses, with a winning percentage of 25%. His tenure saw Pakistan suffer a 2-0 home series defeat against Bangladesh and a 3-0 series defeat against Australia in 2023.
The team’s only series victory under Masood came against England in 2024, when Pakistan secured a 2-1 win on home soil. The upcoming Sri Lanka series is crucial for both teams, with Masood’s availability a key factor in the outcome.
Masood’s injury is not considered serious, and he is expected to return to action after completing his rehabilitation. However, his participation in the upcoming Test series remains uncertain, adding to the anticipation surrounding the series.
The first Test against Sri Lanka will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, followed by the second Test at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21. Both matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.
