Babar Azam, captain of the Pakistan cricket team, finds himself under intense scrutiny as the team gears up for their pivotal match against arch-rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy. Speculation around his fitness has escalated after he missed a key training session just days before the match. This has led to questions about his place in the starting eleven.
On February 23, 2025, the Pakistan cricket team received urgent directives from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, who emphasized the necessity of beating India “at any cost.” According to Press Trust of India, Pakistan must secure a victory to keep their tournament hopes alive, having already lost their opener against New Zealand by 60 runs.
During the practice session, attended by Naqvi, Babar was the only player absent. After facing backlash for scoring just 64 runs off 94 balls against New Zealand, his absence fueled rumors questioning his readiness for the clash with India. Interim head coach Aaqib Javed attempted to ease concerns by stating Babar had “chosen to rest.”
The tension surrounding Babar Azam is palpable. Following his subpar performance against New Zealand, where he failed to accelerate during the chase of 321 runs, fans and critics alike are asking whether he can reclaim his form on such an important stage. Even Salman Ali Agha, another player on the team, noted the team’s poor performance during the powerplay due to Babar's slow innings. This game against India is pivotal, with commentators stressing it is “do-or-die” for the defending champions.
Naqvi’s insistence on victory is clear, as he urged the players to deliver their best shots, noting the need to silence their critics, including himself. “We are ready to face India and do well against them,” he told the media after practice. The PCB chief added, “It would be a great game, and our team is fully prepared. Whether they win or lose, we are with them.”
This pressure creates a unique atmosphere for the Pakistani team as they approach the India showdown. Babar, who recently became the third Pakistani batter to achieve over 1,000 runs in ICC One-Day International (ODI) tournaments during the match against India, hopes to silence his critics with his performance. His earlier struggle against New Zealand only heightens expectations and intensifies discussions about his role within the team.
On the field, the stakes are high. Cricketer Hardik Pandya's earlier dismissal of Azam during their encounter gathered attention, especially highlighted by Pandya's dramatic farewell gesture as Azam departed the pitch. This display encapsulates the competitive fervor of their rivalry and emphasizes the importance of every player's contribution.
Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand had highlighted some key issues with the batting lineup. Azam's strike rate has been called out as concerning, with many questioning his ability to lead from the front. Having last scored a century against Nepal in August 2023, fans are hoping to see his transformation on the pitch. Reports indicate he has been underperforming, with his form deteriorated leading to his omission from the Test team during matches against England.
The team dynamics also faced disruption as Fakhar Zaman was unable to play, leaving Babar to contend with the added pressure of guiding partners Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan through challenging openings. The absence of Zaman has been felt acutely, especially during the powerplay, where Babar had to make tactical decisions without the usual support.
Despite the swirling speculations and heated criticisms, Babar remains focused on helping his team revitalize their Champions Trophy campaign against India. The past rivalry matches resonate with fans, and both teams will be eager to take the upper hand following their histories of fierce competition. The 2017 final where Pakistan triumphed over India remains fresh in collective memory, and for Pakistan, redemption and survival hinge on this upcoming match.
With all eyes on him, Babar Azam must channel his strengths and overcome the mounting pressure to lead his team forward. Although detractors abound, his recent achievement of crossing the 1,000-run milestone alongside legends Saeed Anwar and Javed Miandad adds to his legacy. The looming question now is whether he can prove his mettle and deliver when his side needs it the most.