Babar Azam to NOT be included in playing XI against India? Star batter remains absent as PCB chief delivers pep talk

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam was conspicuous by his absence from the team’s training and there was no clarity on his availability for the Champions Trophy clash against India here on Sunday even as PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi urged the side to win ‘at any cost’.

Speculation is rife that he may be not be considered for the match after he was not seen at the practice session on Saturday evening. The practice was attended by PCB chief Naqvi and Babar was the only player who chose to take the day off.

Babar copped a lot of criticism for a 90-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.

Last night, Naqvi met the Pakistan cricket team at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and urged them to win Sunday’s crucial match against India “at any cost” to silence critics. Pakistan would be knocked out of the tournament if they lose this game.

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 Aaqib Javed and discussed cricketing matters with them.

Naqvi, who was reportedly unhappy with the selection of the team, made it a point to meet each and every player, coach and support staff. Later, he 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,” Naqvi said.

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