The Pakistan cricket team’s ongoing tour of England has descended into total disarray, with captain Babar Azam falling ill with high fever just days before the final Test match. Having already suffered defeat in the series after two consecutive losses, the visitors face severe personnel shortages following the decision to send seven players back home and replace the entire coaching staff mid-tour.
Captain Babar Azam Down With High Fever
Health concerns have added to the operational crisis surrounding the touring squad ahead of the third Test, scheduled to begin on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. According to team manager Naved Akram Cheema, who spoke to Geo TV, Babar Azam developed a high fever recently. However, management remains hopeful that the right-handed batsman will recover in time to lead the side in the series finale.
Babar had previously missed the opening Test match at Leeds because of fitness issues, a match where Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat by an innings. He returned to lead the squad in the second Test at Lord's in the absence of Salman Ali Agha. However, his individual performance proved disappointing, scoring just 8 runs in the first innings and 6 runs in the second. Pakistan eventually lost the Lord's fixture by a massive margin of 194 runs, surrendering the Test series to the host nation.
Seven Players Returned Home Amid Coaching Staff Overhaul
The squad's troubles extend far beyond illness. Following back-to-back heavy defeats against England, the management made an unprecedented move to send seven key players home mid-tour. The list of returned players includes wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, alongside Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad.
Alongside player exits, the touring contingent underwent a complete transformation of its coaching unit. The sweeping changes reflect mounting dissatisfaction within the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding the team's dismal performance on English soil. With seven players departing, selecting a balanced playing eleven for the Edgbaston fixture presents a formidable logistical challenge for the management.
Investigation Launched Into Imam-ul-Haq Injury Controversy
The situation has been further complicated by internal scrutiny regarding opener Imam-ul-Haq. PCB selection committee member Aaqib Javed raised serious questions about the left-handed batter's decision not to bat in either innings of the second Test, despite claiming a calf muscle strain.
In an interview with Geo TV, Aaqib Javed indicated that the selection panel will formally investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury. He questioned how a muscle strain could completely prevent a player from taking the field across both innings of a crucial Test match. This inquiry underscores the growing friction between team management and players as Pakistan attempts to wrap up a tumultuous tour.
