Babar Azam’s Absent Drama Raises Stakes Before Pakistan-India Clash

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – As Pakistan prepares for a crucial Champions Trophy match against India on Sunday, the absence of star batter Babar Azam from the team’s training session has raised questions about his availability. In a high-pressure environment, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has urged the team to win at all costs to silence critics.

Azam, who underperformed in Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand, did not join his teammates during Saturday evening’s practice, sparking speculation about his commitment to the game. Interim head coach Aqib Javed addressed the media after practice and confirmed that Azam had chosen to rest but provided no further details.

“We respect Babar’s choice to take some time off, but I can’t comment on his condition or decisions,” Javed said, avoiding questions about Azam’s absence.

Naqvi met the team at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday night, expressing urgency for a victory against India. “We must win this match at any cost to show our resilience and shut down criticisms,” he noted. A loss for Pakistan would mean elimination from the tournament.

The team had initially scheduled a two-hour practice, but Naqvi took control of the proceedings early to discuss strategies with captain Mohammad Rizwan and the coaching staff. He spent time with key players, including pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.

Naqvi stated, “Our team is ready to face India and I have full faith in their abilities. We can turn the narrative around.” He emphasized the need for unity within the team, regardless of their performance. “We are with our team, whether it’s a win or a loss,” he added.

Compounding the pressure on Azam, he received widespread criticism after a lackluster performance against New Zealand, where he scored 64 runs off 94 balls during the team’s 60-run defeat. Analysts argue that his inability to accelerate the scoring during the chase has contributed to doubts about his place in the squad.

As the day of the much-anticipated match approaches, Naqvi faces scrutiny regarding his leadership role and decisions surrounding player selections. “We need to be keenly aware of our choices and ensure we have the best squad available, particularly for such high-stakes games,” he mentioned.

Fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the showdown on Sunday; a match which carries hefty implications for both teams, particularly Pakistan, who are desperate to prove their mettle under pressure and avoid early elimination from the tournament.