Pakistan were forced to start the tri-series without two key spinners on Sunday. The latest Shadab Khan Sufiyan Muqeem fitness update: the PCB ruled both out of the opener against Sri Lanka due to illness.
The board confirmed in Rawalpindi that both players missed the match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. They are under the treatment of the national team’s medical staff, whose team is monitoring their progress closely. Selection for the remaining matches of the series will depend on how quickly they recover.
Shadab Khan Sufiyan Muqeem fitness: a costly double blow
The absence of the pair hurts Pakistan’s spin options. Shadab, 27, is the side’s first-choice white-ball all-rounder, and his illness is the latest setback in a difficult year for him. He underwent right shoulder surgery in July 2025 and also suffered a groin injury during franchise cricket.
Sufiyan’s road back has been even longer. The left-arm spinner had knee surgery in January 2024 at a private hospital in Lahore, followed by an extended PCB-supervised rehabilitation. He returned to competitive cricket only after a lengthy layoff.
Both setbacks matter because spin is central to Pakistan’s plans for the months ahead. The tri-series, which runs until October 31 across Rawalpindi and Lahore and also features England, is the team’s final competitive outing before the focus shifts fully to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. The medical staff will want both players fully fit long before that tournament, so no risks are being taken with illness in a bilateral-style series opener.
Pakistan’s team management will hope neither player’s illness is serious, and both remain part of the squad setup while they recover. The board’s confirmation in Rawalpindi kept the matter straightforward: two players unwell, treatment under way, and selection decisions for the coming games to follow their progress. Fans will be watching the next few days closely, since Pakistan’s spin attack looks a different proposition with both men available.
A dramatic opener anyway
Even without their two spinners, Pakistan had plenty to celebrate on the opening day. Babar Azam crossed 16,000 international runs, becoming only the fifth Pakistani batter to reach the mark.
For more on the series, see Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first, our 1st ODI preview, Shaheen Afridi on Pakistan’s World Cup preparations and the PCB central contracts for 2026-27.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem not playing?
The PCB said both players missed the tri-series opener against Sri Lanka due to illness and are under the national team’s medical staff’s care.
Will they play the next matches?
Their selection for the remaining matches depends on their recovery, with the medical staff monitoring their progress closely.
What injuries have the two players had?
Shadab had right shoulder surgery in July 2025 plus a groin injury in franchise cricket; Sufiyan underwent left-knee surgery in January 2024 followed by long rehabilitation.
Which teams are in the tri-series?
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England are playing the tri-series in Rawalpindi and Lahore until October 31.
