Babar Azam was in 'severe distress' over ill mother on day of Pak-India T20 match, says father

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Babar Azam in action during the World T20 match against India on Oct 24, 2021. — Reuters/File
Babar Azam in action during the World T20 match against India on Oct 24, 2021. — Reuters/File

Pakistan captain Babar Azam's mother was on a ventilator when he played the T20 World Cup match against arch-rivals India, his father revealed on Saturday.

Babar scored 68 not out and shared an opening stand of 152 with Mohammad Rizwan (79 not out) as Pakistan trounced India by 10 wickets in Dubai last Sunday.

Azam Siddique, Babar's father, said in an Instagram post that his son played all three games this week “in severe distress”.

“It's time for my nation to know some truth. Congratulations to all of you on the victory in the three games,” Azam Siddique wrote.

“There was a big test at our house. On the day the match was against India, on that day Babar's mother was on a ventilator.”

“Babar played all three matches in severe distress. I came here so that Babar may not get weak,” he added.

Babar's mother had undergone surgery but has since recovered and has been discharged from the hospital, the skipper's manager Talha Aisham confirmed on Twitter.

"Alhumdulillah, the mother of Kaptaan Babar Azam is home and recovering well with your prayers. We, as family, are grateful to everyone for their gracious prayers and love," he wrote.

Pakistan have won all their three Super 12 games in the tournament and are well-placed to reach the semi-finals.

They next face Namibia in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

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