Overview
- The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed Friday that Masood fractured the index finger of his left hand, has undergone scans and clinical assessment, and is receiving treatment from the team medical panel.
- Masood was struck on the finger by a Jayden Seales delivery during his first‑innings century, later batted at No.8 in pain and Pakistan lost the opening Test by 90 runs.
- Pakistan need a victory in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval starting August 2 to square the two‑match series, so selectors must choose a replacement quickly.
- Leading short‑term candidates to fill Masood’s middle‑order spot are Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel and uncapped Awais Zafar, all already under consideration by team management.
- Masood will remain with the touring party but is doubtful for the England series opener on August 19, a development that increases pressure on Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign and squad planning.