Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and the team management were criticized during the T20I series against New Zealand for playing almost full-strength team in all matches, rather than trying bench strength.
However, according to reports Babar did not want to feature in the last match of the series, owing to a groin injury. He was forced to take the field by the management.
Why did management forced Babar Azam?
Pakistan found themselves trailing 4-0 in the series, facing the looming threat of a clean sweep. With Babar Azam nursing a groin injury and uncertain about his participation, the team management faced a setback to their plans of avoiding a clean sweep.
The management urged him to play despite physical discomfort as he was their leading run-scorer in the series with 213 runs including 3 fifties. He played a slow innings of 13 runs off 24 balls after few lifelines by New Zealand fielders.
Later, the star batter remained out of the field for the most part of Pakistan’s bowling. Pakistan managed to secure a resounding victory, thwarting the threat of a 5-0 defeat, courtesy of their spinners’ tremendous efforts.
Insiders reveal that while Babar’s injury wasn’t severe, he contemplated resting, considering that the match was a dead rubber for Pakistan and the opportunity it presented for a young player to play in the top-order.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.