After losing their first match in the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan finds itself in a do-or-die situation. The upcoming match against Team India is not just a game; it represents a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to keep its tournament hopes alive. To avoid being eliminated from the group stage, winning against India has become imperative. In light of these circumstances, the Pakistani team has enlisted the help of the man who discovered Babar Azam—Muddasar Nazar, a former opening batsman for Pakistan and now a key figure in the coaching setup.
Muddasar Nazar: The Man Behind Babar Azam’s Success
Babar Azam himself acknowledged in an interview that while many have contributed to his rise, it was Muddasar Nazar who truly recognized his potential and guided him onto the professional stage. The question arises: Is Nazar only called in to refine Babar’s batting, or will he be working with the entire team? The answer is clear: Muddasar Nazar is set to train the entire Pakistani squad ahead of their crucial match against India. This update was shared by Indian sports journalist Vimal Kumar through his YouTube channel.
Why Did Pakistan Call Muddasar Nazar for Special Coaching?
Upon arriving in the UAE, the Pakistani team decided to bring in Muddasar Nazar for special coaching due to his deep understanding of local conditions and their dynamics. Nazar has previously served as a coach for UAE’s team, giving him valuable insight into the conditions that await them. He initiated the coaching process by engaging in discussions with the players before conducting net sessions, thereby creating a tailored training approach.
Highlights from the Practice Session
On February 21, under Muddasar Nazar’s supervision, the practice session was intense, with a particular focus on Babar Azam. Each bowler bowled two overs, experimenting with both aggressive shots and defensive techniques. Vimal Kumar noted that Shaheen Shah Afridi was seen practicing big shots in the nets, signaling Pakistan’s intention to test their batting prowess against India. While other batsmen also attempted lofty shots, many of them struggled to connect effectively. Furthermore, fielding appeared to be an ongoing concern, as players dropped several catches under the bright lights.
It is evident that the Pakistani team continues to grapple with its traditional issues. Whether Muddasar Nazar’s special coaching will provide the edge Pakistan needs against India remains to be seen, but the pressure is undoubtedly on as they aim to turn their fortunes around in this critical matchup.