Champions Trophy: Speculation Rises Over Babar Azam's Absence as PCB Chief Pressures Pakistan for Win Against India

Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam was missing from the team's practice session, raising questions about his availability for the big Champions Trophy match against India on Sunday. There is a lot of speculation that he might not be included in the playing XI, especially since he skipped the training on Saturday evening. The session was attended by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who has urged the team to win "at any cost." Babar was the only player who decided to take a day off, adding to the uncertainty.

Azam copped a lot of criticism for a 94-ball 64 in the 60-run loss to New Zealand in the opening match. He was lambasted for failing to accelerate while the asking rate crept up in the chase of 320 runs in Karachi.

Interim head coach Aqib Javed spoke to the media after practice but didn’t give a clear reason for Azam’s absence. He simply said that the former captain decided to take a rest.

Naqvi met the Pakistan cricket team at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and encouraged them to give their best and win Sunday’s crucial match against India. He told them that victory was important to silence their critics. A loss in this match would mean Pakistan’s exit from the tournament.

The team was scheduled to practice for about two hours but the proceedings were halted within an hour as Naqvi took "stock of things", met captain Mohammad Rizwan and head coach Aqeeb Javed, and discussed cricketing matters with them.

Reliable sources say he motivated the captain, coach, and players to give their best against India and win to silence their critics, including himself.

Later, Naqvi told media persons that the Pakistani team was 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," he said.

When asked about Pakistan having to play India in a neutral venue despite being the official hosts of the Champions Trophy, he responded with a sharp remark: "You should ask the Indians how they would have felt if the same had happened to them."

India had refused to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, leading to their matches being scheduled in Dubai. India makes it to the final, that too will be played in Dubai instead of Pakistan.

Pakistan squad:

ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: NZ vs BAN Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, and Head-to-Head Stats