LONDON: Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam has developed a fever following the team’s heavy 194-run defeat to England in the Lord’s Test.
The Pakistan squad is reportedly under considerable pressure at its London hotel following the defeat and a series of major decisions by the Pakistan Cricket Board, including changes to the team management and the return of several players to Pakistan.
According to sources, Babar, who scored only eight and six runs in the Lord’s Test, has been feeling the pressure following the team’s defeat and the decision to send the head coach and seven players back home.
Sources said the Pakistan captain is suffering from a high fever.
However, team media manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirmed that Babar had informed him about his illness but said there was no reason for concern.
Cheema said Babar remains fit and that there was nothing alarming about his fever, adding that the captain is expected to recover soon.
Pakistan’s camp has been under heightened scrutiny following the disappointing Test result and the PCB’s recent decisions concerning the squad and team management.
Why Were Rizwan and Imam Selected? PCB Issues Show-Cause Notice
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show-cause notice to a member of the national selection committee, seeking an explanation over the selection of players for the Test squad.
The notice reportedly seeks clarification over the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq in the Test squad, as well as concerns regarding the selection of players for Pakistan’s tours of the West Indies and England.
The PCB has demanded a written explanation from the selection committee member about the selection and the basis for selection, including the recent performance of the selected players.
It has been demanded that the concerned person respond to the show-cause notice within 24 hours after receiving it.
It is further said that the matter should be dealt with on an urgent and high-priority basis.
The show-cause notice was sent by Chief Operating Officer Sami Ahmed Syed.
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