New Delhi: Pakistan batter Babar Azam missed Pakistan’s training session ahead of the mega clash against India at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 23. His absence from the all-important training session raised doubts over his place in the playing XI. His form and intent to score runs have been questioned over the last few months.
According to some reports, Babar might not be considered for the India match after he wasn’t spotted at the practice session on Saturday, February 22. The Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi attended the practice ahead of the match and Babar was the only player who opted to take an off.
Babar was heavily criticised for his slow knock of 94-ball 64 in the tournament opener against New Zealand. The hosts lost the match by 60 runs and the India match is a do-or-die contest for the defending champions.
Interim head coach Aaqib Javed didn’t give any specific reason for Babar’s absence from the training session and said that the former skipper opted to rest. According to a report from PTI, PCB chief Naqvi has urged skipper Rizwan and players to give it their best shot against India and win the match to silence the critics.
‘Our team is fully prepared’: PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi
Mohsin Naqvi later in the press conference said that the Pakistan team is ready to face India and do well against them. “It would be a great game and our team is fully prepared and in my opinion, they are in form. We are with our team, whether they win or lose” Naqvi said.
While chasing a massive 321-run target against New Zealand in the opening game of the Champions Trophy in Karachi, Babar struggled to score runs against both spin and pace. But if Babar plays today match in Dubai, he will be looking to make a big statement in the mega clash.
Speculation is rife that star batter Babar Azam may not be included in the playing XI for the India game after he was not seen at the practice session on Saturday evening. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
