Tarouba, July 25 -- Pakistan have suffered an early setback ahead of their two-Test series against the West Indies after opener Abdullah Fazal was ruled out with a lower back injury sustained during training at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

According to the ICC, the 23-year-old picked up the injury during a practice session in Tarouba, the venue for the opening Test, which begins on Saturday. An MRI scan and subsequent medical assessment confirmed that Fazal will require a period of rehabilitation, with the Pakistan team yet to announce a replacement.

Fazal's absence comes as a blow for Pakistan, who are looking to improve their position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings after an encouraging start to the youngster's...