Dhaka, May 8 -- Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test of the two-game series against Bangladesh after sustaining a knee injury, dealing a major blow to the side ahead of the series opener, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Babar left training on Thursday to undergo a scan on his left knee, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later confirmed the right-hander would miss the opening match of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh.

"Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to an injury in his left knee," PCB said in a statement, as quoted by ICC.

"The team's medical panel is currently assessing his condition. Further updates wi...