Sunday’s highly anticipated India-Pakistan showdown at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) could define Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign—and Babar Azam’s leadership. With the team facing potential early elimination after years of waiting to host a global tournament, the pressure is immense. A loss could ignite criticism, with Babar likely to bear the brunt of the blame.

Former cricketer Rashid Latif underscored the significance of the match, stating, “For Pakistan, this is a do-or-die situation. Whether or not we make it to the final or semifinal, winning this game is crucial.”

Ex-wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was even more critical, suggesting Pakistan does not deserve a spot in the Champions Trophy. “If we want to play at this level, we should first prove ourselves against teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland. Our standard has fallen drastically over the last 6-7 years,” he remarked on a television broadcast.

The fallout from Pakistan’s recent loss to New Zealand has intensified scrutiny on Babar Azam, particularly his strike rate and approach. Chasing 321, Pakistan slumped to 22/2 in the first 10 overs, with Babar contributing a sluggish 12 runs. He eventually scored 64 off 90 balls, reaching his half-century in the 31st over at a strike rate of 71.

Latif believes this game is pivotal for the future of Pakistan cricket. “A win on Sunday is crucial for the survival of the sport in Pakistan. The PCB is under immense pressure, and regardless of the team’s shortcomings, they must find a way to win,” he emphasized.

Not long ago, Babar Azam was hailed as “King Babar,” but the aura around him has faded. Even Wasim Akram has started making jokes about his strike rate. “I was only joking about the batting revolving around him, and he seems to have taken it literally,” Akram quipped on a television program.

The criticism doesn’t stop there. Former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad pointed out that Babar and Rizwan added just 14 runs in 38 balls while chasing 321, calling it “schoolboy stuff.” He added, “Babar didn’t show any intent. Over the past two to three years, his performances have dipped, especially in T20s. In 59 Tests, he has only one Player of the Match award. The PCB invested so much in him, but where is he now?”

Latif, while agreeing with some of the critiques, offered a more measured view. “Babar has become predictable. When under pressure, a player must adapt, but he hasn’t found a way to do that. There’s no proper mentor or batting coach guiding him. He must evolve, or this could be a make-or-break game for him.”

Despite the pressure, Pakistan’s first training session in Dubai exuded positivity. The players appeared relaxed and focused, with an intense three-hour net session. Pacer Haris Rauf dismissed concerns about India’s strength, stating the team would formulate a strategy after assessing the pitch conditions.

Whether this optimism is genuine remains to be seen. One thing is certain: this match is more than just another fixture—it’s Pakistan’s moment of truth.

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