Ahead of their critical World Cup game against South Africa, several Pakistan cricketers decided to prioritize rest over an optional training session.
With only eight of the 15 World Cup squad members and three reserve players participating in the training at Chidambaram Stadium, key players such as Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali chose to rest, aiming to avoid fatigue before the important match.
Given their current position, with four points from five games and a string of recent losses, the Pakistani team is under pressure to secure a victory. Notably, players including Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, and Abdullah Shafiq also opted for rest, highlighting the team’s emphasis on managing player fatigue and performance optimization.
Despite some players opting for rest, Captain Babar Azam and Vice-captain Shadab Khan actively participated in a rigorous two-hour practice session. Other players, including Imam ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Iftekhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, and Wasim Jnr, also engaged in the optional training, demonstrating a focused approach to improving their game.
Sources revealed that Pakistan team’s director, Mickey Arthur, delivered a motivational pep talk to the players, aiming to uplift their spirits and boost their morale ahead of the crucial upcoming match.
