Interim head coach Aqib Javed, who addressed the media after practice, did not give any specific reason for Azam's absence, saying that the former captain chose to rest.

In the Champions Trophy 2025 match, Pakistan's Babar Azam became the fastest from his country to score 1,000 runs in ICC ODI events, although he only managed 23 runs against India. Babar's early dismissal was significant as Pakistan aimed to stay in the tournament after losing to New Zealand,

Babar Azam became the third Pakistan batter to complete 1000 runs in ICC One-Day International tournaments during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against India in Dubai on Sunday.

Babar Azam creates history during the high-stakes clash against India, etching his name in the record books with a remarkable milestone.

While Rohit Sharma and co began their campaign with a comfortable six-wicket win over Bangladesh, Pakistan faced a big 60-run defeat in their opening game against New Zealand in Karachi. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side is expected to make certain changes in their Playing XI for the match highly anticipated match against India.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar heavily criticized Babar Azam for his performance after the Men in Green’s six-wicket defeat against India in the Champions Trophy Group A clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday,

There is widespread speculation that star batter Babar Azam might not be selected for the match against India, as he was absent from the practice session on Saturday evening.

Cricket fans will want to tune in to Willow TV in the wee hours of Sunday morning to catch the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy contest between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan (Source: ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images) are taking on India in Match 5 of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. The much-anticipated clash had already garnered significant hype ahead of the tournament,