Pakistan Star Batter Babar Azam took a day off from the training session ahead of their must-win clash in Dubai. This was revealed by their interim head coach during the press meet he attended after the training session. Aqib Javed was not specific about Babar Azam's absence from the training session.
Adding more drama to this, Pakistan’s board chief Mohsin Naqvi was present during the whole day of the last training of Pakistan before they faced India. Mohsin Naqvi came to motivate his team to win against India no matter what, and at the same time Babar Azam was the only player to miss out on the training session that day.
This led to some backlash for Babar Azam from Mohsin Naqvi as he was disappointed regarding Azam's commitment ahead of the important clash against India. This could even lead to him being dropped from the team in the upcoming matches, according to reports.
Babar Azam faced criticism after scoring 64 runs off 90 balls against New Zealand during a high-scoring chase. Fans and experts questioned his intent and speculated whether he was more focused on achieving personal milestones rather than contributing to the team's success.
Meanwhile, Mohsin Naqvi was seen spending the entire day with his team motivating each member to give their best effort against India to silence their critics.
"Pakistan is ready for this game. 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", he said.
When Mohsin Naqvi was asked about India not traveling to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy, he said:
"You should ask this to Indians if the same would have happened to them, then how they would have felt?"
BCCI and India had refused to travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns and are playing their share of Champions Trophy matches in Dubai. Even the finals of the tournament will be held in Dubai if India qualifies.
Pakistan, the host has to travel to Dubai to face India for their second match of the Champions Trophy. As things stand, if Pakistan loses this match they’ll be the first team to get knocked out of the Champions Trophy 2025.
