Pakistan look to salvage World Cup hopes against Bangladesh

After Monday's training session at the Eden, Babar Azam was about to board the team bus when he was met with loud cheers and calls of "Babaaar, Babaaar."

Mohammad Rizwan, his teammate and wicketkeeper-batter, was happy to oblige a group of fans gathered at the venue's "B" block for a group selfie after waiting for a brief while.

No matter how well they perform, the enthusiasm for Pakistan in the city never wanes. It won't come as a huge surprise if the Eden stands lend a little encouragement to Pakistan during their crucial Tuesday match against Bangladesh.

Babar, Rizwan, and the other members of the team aren't expected to be in the best of moods due to the team's poor performance thus far in the World Cup. However, Pakistan does seem to be in a good mental space, considering the atmosphere and much friendlier environment they have encountered since arriving in Calcutta on Saturday.

That is extremely important for Pakistan before the game on Tuesday. Because this is their last chance to salvage their remote chances of qualifying for the final four.

Furthermore, if they triumph, they will not only be able to maintain their Cup standing but also avoid distractions from off-field issues, such as Inzamam-ul Haq's resignation as chief selector due to conflict of interest allegations. For a while, at least.

For example, Zain Jeewanjee, a 68-year-old businessman of Pakistani descent residing in San Francisco, has not missed a single World Cup match between India and Pakistan.

Will "certainly be at the ground to root for Babar and Co." since 2003.

After Monday's training session at the Eden, Babar Azam was about to board the team bus when he was met with loud cheers and calls of "Babaaar, Babaaar."

Mohammad Rizwan, his teammate and wicketkeeper-batter, was happy to oblige a group of fans gathered at the venue's "B" block for a group selfie after waiting for a brief while.

No matter how well they perform, the enthusiasm for Pakistan in the city never wanes. It won't come as a huge surprise if the Eden stands lend a little encouragement to Pakistan during their crucial Tuesday match against Bangladesh.

For example, Zain Jeewanjee, a 68-year-old businessman of Pakistani descent residing in San Francisco, has not missed a single World Cup match between India and Pakistan.

Will "certainly be at the ground to root for Babar and Co." since 2003.

Muhammad Rizwan during Monday's practice session between Pakistan and the Eden. 

Muhammad Rizwan during Monday's practice session between Pakistan and the Eden.

Sayak Bermaei

Babar, Rizwan, and the other members of the team aren't expected to be in the best of moods due to the team's poor performance thus far in the World Cup. However, Pakistan does seem to be in a good mental space, considering the atmosphere and much friendlier environment they have encountered since arriving in Calcutta on Saturday.

That is extremely important for Pakistan before the game on Tuesday. Because this is their last chance to salvage their remote chances of qualifying for the final four.

Furthermore, if they triumph, they will not only be able to maintain their Cup standing but also avoid distractions from off-field issues, such as Inzamam-ul Haq's resignation as chief selector due to conflict of interest allegations. For a while, at least.

Shakib-Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, during Monday practice.

Shakib-Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, during Monday practice.

Kumar Sanat Sinha

Additionally, it was discovered that the majority of the current squad's cricket players have finalized their central contracts, which should provide some assurance for the group.

The Eden pitch appears to have pleased Babar and Pakistan's pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi in particular. It is likely to help quicks with a bit extra bounce and movement. Despite all of his credentials, the left-arm quick hasn't exactly had an easy time on his first trip to India. With the exception of a few strong periods, Shaheen has found it extremely difficult to bowl on Indian tracks thus far.

Returning to Babar, his inability to convert starts into a big hundred has not only made his situation more difficult, but it has also severely harmed Pakistan. This is undoubtedly Babar's best chance to score a big one and get back into rhythm against this Bangladeshi team that was destroyed by Associate side Netherlands the other night before facing New Zealand and England.

It makes sense that the captain of Pakistan batted for a long time at the nets on Monday, primarily against spinners. It's possible that he is aware that Tuesday is his best opportunity to regain some speed and momentum.

Right now, it seems like the Bangladeshis' only goal is to place in the top seven in order to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy. After a series of clumsy performances, they truly have nothing else to aim for.

Inzamam resigns

Lahore: Inzamam-ul-Haq resigned from his position as chairman of the Pakistan national selection committee on Monday. This was in response to an inquiry by the Cricket Board into whether or not his affiliation with a company that manages multiple players raises any potential conflicts of interest.

A five-person committee has been established by the PCB to investigate Inzamam's involvement with Yazoo International, where he works with the same agent as

Babar Azam, the captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, the pacer, and Muhammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batter.

Nonetheless, Inzamam has insisted that his relationship with partner and agent Talha Rehmani has never had an impact on or compromised his ability to make decisions as a selector. He remarked, "I choose the Pakistan team, and I don't want my position in this company to be questioned."

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.