Under-fire Babar in the spotlight ahead of big game against India

Sunday could well be a moment of truth for the Pakistan team and Babar Azam. The match against India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) will test the team's general character, particularly Babar's. After waiting for three decades to host a global competition, the country is now potentially staring at the prospect of premature elimination. A loss on Sunday could lead to dangerous mud-slinging, with much of the blame likely directed at Babar, the country's star cricketer.

"There is a possibility that the campaign could end even before the team completes its league engagements. It would be like the Champions Trophy starting on February 19 and ending on February 23," Rashid Latif lamented while speaking to Cricbuzz. He emphasized the importance of Sunday's contest from Pakistan's point of view. "Everyone knows how important the India-Pakistan fixture is for both countries. Whether or not you reach the final or play in the semifinal, winning this game is crucial. There is no other option. For Pakistan, it is a do-or-die situation."

Kamran Akmal was even more harsh on the team stating that they did not deserve to be playing in the Champions Trophy. "There's a series going on between Zimbabwe and Ireland. Go there and play, and only if we win against them should we deserve to be in the Champions Trophy. This is the current state of our cricket. Our standard has fallen drastically over the past 6-7 years," the former Pakistan wicketkeeper, remarked in a television channel.

The loss to New Zealand has caused a ballyhoo back home in Pakistan, with questions being raised about Azam's technique, ability, and strike rate. Chasing 321, Pakistan were 22 for 2 by the end of the first 10 PowerPlay overs, with Babar on 12. He went on to score 64 off 90 deliveries, posting a poor strike rate of 71 after reaching his half-century off 81 balls in the 31st over.

Latif thinks the India game is crucial for the survival of Pakistan cricket going forward. "In the larger context of cricket in the country, a win on Sunday is crucial for the survival of the sport in Pakistan. The cricket board is in a difficult position, and somehow, this match must be won, regardless of the team's overall abilities. If individual brilliance is what it takes to secure a victory, so be it. This factor must be considered because Pakistan cannot afford to lose this match under any circumstances," he opined.

Not too long ago, Babar Azam was considered King Babar. Suddenly, the halo around him seems to have disappeared. Even Wasim Akram has started cracking jokes about his batting and strike rate.

"I was only joking that batting should revolve around him, and he has taken it seriously," Akram told a popular television program, citing an analogy about a husband wishing before his wife he were dead, and the wish becoming a reality. "There is so much investment in Babar Azam. He was a very good player. But where is he? The country needs him. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invested a lot in Babar. He was given a free hand as a captain for four and five years. You have played 52 dot balls. In the first 13 overs, Pakistan played 60 dot balls. You lost the game there only," Ahmed Shehzad, a fierce critic of Babar, said on a local Pakistani channel.

"As a senior player, Babar and Rizwan added 14 runs in 38 balls while chasing 321. This is schoolboy stuff. You know that ball was turning and it was a double-paced wicket. So scoring with a new ball was easy and your chance to put pressure on New Zealand. Babar didn't show any intent," the 33-year-old Shehzad, who played in 13 Tests, 81ODIs and 59 T20Is, said. "For the past two to three years, he has not performed. In T20s, his game lagged behind. In 59 Tests he has played, Babar has only one Player of the Match award. The then-coach Mickey Arthur did all in his power to establish him in the Test side."

Latif agreed to the criticism and provided a saner perspective on the Babar situation. "Sadly, Babar has become predictable now. When you're under pressure, you need to find a way to wriggle out of the situation, but he's been unable to maneuver his way through," the former captain said. "Everyone knows that he'll push and prod, gliding his way through by taking a single here and a couple there. Perhaps it's becoming difficult for him. There's no proper mentor or batting coach in the dressing room to guide him. If you've visited South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Australia and still haven't had a mentor to work with you and provide guidance, it's concerning.

"Babar needs to find a way out of the situation himself. He has to evolve. This is an important game - the world will be glued to it. Everyone will be watching who performs. I believe this will be a make-or-break game for Babar. If he delivers, he will be a star again, and his cricketing life will extend. If not, he will lose out. The blame will inevitably fall on Babar. While the responsibility should be shared by everyone, the entire blame will be placed on Babar Azam, and he will be thoroughly scrutinized."

At their first session upon arriving in Dubai at the ICC Academy, the Pakistan players showed a lot of intent and gave the impression that they were relaxed ahead of the big match. Their body language appeared positive, and during the three-hour net session, there was a strong sense of purpose. Pacer Harris Rauf gave an impression that the Pakistan team is unperturbed by the form and strength of the Indian team, and refused to comment on Shubman Gill's form, stating that they would decide on the strategy after assessing the pitch.

Whether the positivity surrounding the team, which Rauf spoke of, is genuine is anyone's guess. Still, the entire team seemed to understand that this is a pressure game and their moment of truth.