Who Replaces Shan Masood in Pakistan’s 2nd Test vs West Indies — Three Players in Contention

Shan Masood will not play the 2nd Test against West Indies starting Sunday in Port of Spain.

The PCB confirmed on Thursday that Masood has a fracture in his left index finger sustained during the 1st Test in Tarouba. A scan and clinical assessment by the team medical panel confirmed the injury. Masood will travel with the squad to England but his availability for the 1st England Test at Leeds starting 19 August depends on his recovery.

Three players are now in contention for his spot — Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar.

Masood’s Injury — What Happened in the 1st Test

Masood was hit on his left index finger by Jayden Seales during Pakistan’s first innings at Brian Lara Stadium. He battled through the pain to score his seventh Test century — 109 off 184 balls. A knock that kept Pakistan competitive before the lower order collapsed.

He did not take the field on Day 4 morning. When Pakistan were 53/6 chasing 211 he came out at number eight — batting effectively one-handed — and was caught at point for 3 trying to drive a length ball he could not grip properly.

Former Pakistan Test captain. One of Pakistan’s most experienced batters. Ruled out for at least the 2nd Test and potentially the start of the England series.

Pakistan’s Replacement Options for the 2nd Test

Pakistan added Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel to the squad after Abdullah Fazal was ruled out before the 1st Test with a lower back injury. Awais Zafar was already in the squad as cover. All three are available for selection at Queen’s Park Oval.

Abdullah Shafique

Abdullah Shafique profile

Stat	Detail
Role	Opening Batter
Age	25
Test Caps	23
Test Runs	1,247
Test Average	34.63
Highest Score	160* vs Australia

Shafique is Pakistan’s most experienced option among the three. He has opened the batting in Test cricket and has a century against Australia on his record. His technique against pace is tested at the highest level. At Queen’s Park Oval — a ground expected to produce spin — his ability to play spin is the question. He has not played Test cricket since being dropped earlier in 2026.

Saud Shakeel

Saud Shakeel profile

Stat	Detail
Role	Middle Order Batter
Age	29
Test Caps	18
Test Runs	1,089
Test Average	42.65
Highest Score	194 vs Sri Lanka

Shakeel was originally ruled out of this series with injury. He has been added back to the squad as his fitness improved. His Test average of 42.65 is the strongest of the three candidates. He bats at number five or six and brings left-hand variety to a lineup that already has several left-handers. On a turning Queen’s Park pitch his ability to rotate strike against spin and convert starts into big scores makes him the most valuable addition if fully fit.

Awais Zafar

Awais Zafar profile

Stat	Detail
Role	Middle Order Batter
Age	27
Test Caps	0 (uncapped)
First Class Average	43.2
First Class Hundreds	8
Domestic Team	Central Punjab

Zafar is uncapped at Test level but his first-class numbers demand attention. Average of 43.2 across domestic cricket with eight hundreds. He was already in the squad as cover for Saud Shakeel before Masood’s injury created a second batting vacancy. A potential Test debut at Queen’s Park Oval — a ground known for its turning surface — would be a significant ask for a first cap. But his domestic record earns him the right to be considered.

FAQ

Why is Shan Masood not playing the 2nd Test vs West Indies? Shan Masood has a fracture in his left index finger sustained during the 1st Test in Tarouba. The PCB confirmed the injury after a scan and clinical assessment. He is ruled out of the 2nd Test in Port of Spain.

Who will replace Shan Masood in Pakistan’s 2nd Test vs West Indies? Three players are in contention — Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar. The selection will be confirmed in the playing XI announcement before the 2nd Test starts Sunday.

Is Shan Masood fit for the England Test series? Uncertain. The PCB said his availability for the 1st England Test at Leeds starting 19 August depends on his recovery and clinical progress. Masood will travel with the squad to England.

When does Pakistan’s 2nd Test vs West Indies start? The 2nd Test between West Indies and Pakistan starts Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

How did Shan Masood get injured? Masood was struck on the left index finger by a Jayden Seales delivery during Pakistan’s first innings in the 1st Test. He batted on to score 109 but the fracture was confirmed after the match.

What is Shan Masood’s Test record? Shan Masood scored his seventh Test century — 109 off 184 balls — in the 1st Test against West Indies despite the finger injury. He is a former Pakistan Test captain.