Babar Azam reportedly played injured [Source: @cricbyyasir/X.com]Senior Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam reportedly participated in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 without complete fitness. According to fresh claims, Azam had a niggle in his foot which could’ve hampered his performance on the field.Babar had a disastrous campaign at the World Cup, scoring 91 runs in 5 innings. He struggled badly against arch-rivals India, scoring just 5 runs. The senior was later demoted in the batting order and even dropped during the Super 8 stage.Babar Azam played the World Cup with foot painMeanwhile, according to journalist Saleem Khaliq, Babar Azam was allowed to play the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 while carrying a foot injury. Since he was not fully fit, it likely affected his performance.Not only that, the journalist further claims Babar opted out of the National T20 Cup due to severe foot pain. Dr. Javed Mughal later confirmed the injury was serious and needed treatment.And as a result, Babar Azam was left out of the Bangladesh series squad, not because of poor form, but due to injury.Also Read - Babar Azam's Fake Injury Confirmed By Pakistan Teammate, PCB Action Possible?Babar is in hot water over contradicting claimsThat being said, this claim comes just days after Babar Azam caused a stir with an Instagram story. For context, Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed explained that Babar was dropped from the Bangladesh series due to injury.However, Babar’s social media activity changed the tone. He posted an edited image with twisted legs, indirectly mocking the injury claim. His story clearly suggested that he may not agree with the “injury” narrative, or is unhappy with how the situation is being handled publicly. However, Saleem Khaliq has now confirmed that Babar Azam was, in fact, injured. So, it appears the senior batter was just trying to gain sympathy, while the actual reason for his snub remains unknown.Mike Hesson adds more fuel to the fireAfter selector Aaqib Javed, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson also shared a different narrative around Babar Azam’s absence from the ODI series against Bangladesh. Talking to reporters in Dhaka, Hesson claimed Babar was neither dropped due to injury nor for his poor form. He was simply rested to give opportunities to young players. Hesson framed it as a planned decision, meaning Pakistan wanted to test bench strength, and youngsters were given a chance in a low-stakes bilateral series.But on the flip side, his statement could also be an attempt to calm the controversy and shift focus from injury drama to team strategy. That being said, this mixed messaging points to deeper issues in the PCB. There is a clear lack of communication between selectors, the coach, and management.It could also be an attempt to protect a senior player’s image publicly and maybe a possible internal disagreement on Babar’s role.Also Read - PSL 2026 Schedule, Venues To Change! Australian Players Force Mohsin Naqvi To Surrender
