As the vibrant city of Lahore dons its festive attire, it played host to a grand Qawwali night celebrating the upcoming nuptials of Pakistani cricketer Imam-ul-Haq. In the midst of the revelry, distinguished guests and former national cricket team captains Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed were spotted soaking in the cultural melodies. The evening was rich with music and camaraderie, with Sarfaraz Ahmed deeply engaged in the soulful tunes, particularly enjoying the Qawwali ‘Mera piya ghar aaya’. Close by, with an infectious smile, Babar Azam and fellow cricketer Usman Qadir were seen basking in the musical glory of the night.
This was a lighter moment in what has been a period of professional transitions for Babar Azam, who has recently abdicated his role as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team across all formats. Following Pakistan’s unexpected exit before the Cricket World Cup semi-finals—a tournament where Babar himself delivered a consistent performance, scoring 320 runs at an average of 40 across nine matches, with four fifties—responsibilities have been redistributed. Shan Masood has stepped in as the new Test captain, with Shaheen Afridi taking the reins for T20Is.
Despite these shifts, Babar, along with Sarfaraz and Imam, remain integral parts of the Pakistan squad setting their sights on the upcoming challenge—a demanding Test series on Australian soil. To ensure the team is prepared, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has instituted a comprehensive training camp situated at Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, which will continue until November 28th before the team departs for Australia two days thereafter.
The trio’s availability comes after considerable speculation, given the intense cricketing calendar and Babar’s recent resignation from captaincy. However, their presence in the squad list confirms their participation. The full squad readying for the Australian tour includes a mix of experienced and emerging talents: Shan Masood as captain, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Sarfaraz Ahmed.
As cricket fans and analysts alike eye the series, the team’s itinerary has been outlined: the first Test is scheduled to be held in Perth from December 14th to 18th, followed by the second Test in Melbourne from December 26th to 30th. The culmination of the intense cricketing action will unfold in Sydney with the third Test from January 3rd to 7th.
The Pakistani squad is aware of the formidable challenges that lie ahead in the Australian tour. However, the spirits remain high, and the unity displayed during festive times like these only bolsters confidence in their camaraderie and teamwork. Thus, as the preparations continue, both on and off the field, the Pakistan cricket team eyes the future with great ambition, hoping to start the new year on a victorious note.
To stay updated on the World Cup 2023 news, schedules, and the Pakistan cricket team’s journey, enthusiasts can follow the action on various social media platforms and cricket apps. Supporters from all over the world, especially those in Pakistan, will be ardently hoping their national heroes can deliver performances to be proud of in the land down under, with the sweetness of Qawwali still resonating in their hearts.