{
  "id": 1067386,
  "title": "‘Injury scare’ for Babar Azam ahead of England Tests as Pakistan captain rested",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/injury-scare-for-babar-azam-ahead-of-england-tests-as-pakistan-1067386",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-15T15:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/injury-scare-babar-azam-ahead-154500399.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan's cricket board has expressed concern over the fitness of captain Babar Azam ahead of their upcoming three-Test series against England. The worry stems from an incident during a warm-up game, where Babar was forced to retire due to a blow to his hand. The incident occurred when he was batting on five for Pakistan against a Professional County Club Select XI, following a rising delivery from England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden. The extent of Babar's injury remains unclear at this stage. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that the decision to rest Babar was a precautionary measure, following an assessment by the team doctor. Babar is expected to return to training on Monday, August 17, at Headingley Cricket Ground, just two days before the first Test against England begins on August 19. Babar's fitness will be closely monitored over the coming days, given his crucial role in both Pakistan's batting lineup and leadership group.",
  "summary": "Pakistan captain Babar Azam sustained a hand injury during a warm-up match. He was forced to retire from the game as a precautionary measure. Azam is expected to return to training on Monday before the series begins. The three-Test series against England is scheduled to start on August 19. His availability remains a key talking point for the visiting team.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakistan cricket board concerned about Babar Azam's fitness",
    "Babar Azam retired due to hand injury in warm-up game",
    "Babar expected to return to training on August 17"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ESPNcricinfo",
        "title": "Gay picked for tour game against Pakistan after shoulder scare",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/gay-picked-for-tour-game-against-pakistan-after-shoulder-scare",
        "published": "2026-08-12T12:50:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}