Ahead of the high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and Pakistan, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam shared a touching moment, highlighting sportsmanship. Pakistan opted to bat first with Imam-ul-Haq replacing Fakhar Zaman.

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.

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.

Compare Virat Kohli and Babar Azam's ODI records and Champions Trophy performances ahead of the India-Pakistan showdown in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Babar Azam had invited significant criticism for his lack of intent as he batted at a strike rate nearing 66 off 90 deliveries in their previous match against New Zealand.

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.

Ahead of the much-awaited clash between Pakistan and India, all eyes will be on former skipper and right-hand batter Babar Azam, whose performance will be on the radar, especially how he fares against the quality Indian spinners in the Champions Trophy blockbuster clash between the two sides in Dubai on Sunday.

Pakistan take on arch-rivals India in Dubai in their upcoming fixture, and need a win to get their campaign back on track.