Pakistan’s previous captain, Babar Azam, has left fans and pundits stunned by leaving the PCB Skills Development Camp after only two days of training. The reports say that the star batter told both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the management at the camp prior to his departure, citing a pre-booked international obligation.
Babar was one of a number of high-profile players chosen for the initial stage of the camp, which was intended to raise the technical and fitness levels before international tasks in the near future.
Elite Players Included in the Camp
Skills Development Camp, one of the main projects by the PCB, has numerous emerging and national team players. Apart from Babar Azam, the first group of participants included:
Abrar Ahmed
Ahmad Daniyal
Hassan Nawaz
Muaz Sadaqat
Mohammad Abbas Afridi
Aamir Jamal
Mohammad Haris
Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Rizwan
Naseem Shah
Sahibzada Farhan
Saim Ayub
Salman Mirza
Sufiyan Muqeem
These players are now continuing their training in the presence of the PCB’s coaching and performance team.
Backlash Over Babar’s Early Departure
Babar’s premature departure has left cricket enthusiasts and experts abuzz with criticism. Most are wondering what benefit two training days could have possibly brought to the form or skills of the star batter.
On social media, there was sarcasm and criticism. One user said, “If Babar was in good form, he wouldn’t even think of going to such a camp. Now he is trying to hide poor performance with this half-hearted attempt.”
Although Babar’s move can be explained by previous commitments, the perception hasn’t cut well with those anticipating complete devotion from senior players, particularly prior to important international tours.
Pakistan Finalizes Schedule of Bangladesh T20I Tour
In the meantime, preparations for Pakistan’s forthcoming T20I tour of Bangladesh are underway. It has been reported by credible sources that the original schedule for the three-match series has been finalized and communicated to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The national squad is scheduled to depart for Dhaka on July 18, with the T20I clashes lined up as follows:
1st T20I – July 20
2nd T20I – July 22
3rd T20I – July 24
The three matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
This brief T20I series has been viewed as an important warm-up session for Pakistan prior to the ICC tournaments later this year.
Final Thoughts
While Babar Azam’s early exit has raised a few eyebrows, it’s important to put criticism into context with the fact that the best players tend to balance many responsibilities. Nevertheless, in the public eye, commitment to national training camps is still an important expectation, particularly from a player of Babar’s standing.
The Bangladesh series will be a significant examination not just for the players but also for the PCB’s preparation plan coming into a congested international season.