These are hard times for Pakistan cricket. At the wake of their humiliating two test defeats sustained against England with an entire world watching their performances being shred to pieces whether it’s the home fans or the global spectators, it’s hard being a cricketer wearing the Pakistani Test whites. Utterly atrocious, emotionally speaking. They failed to even beat the West Indies most recently in a 2-match series following which they’ve already lost the chance of winning against England, which in truth, would have always been a hard challenge to cope with.

But now with seven of their existing or ongoing talents already sacked and with doubts hanging over the immediate cricketing future of Imam ul Haq, it remains to be seen in terms of what becomes of a capable albeit struggling side.

But what can be said with a modicum of relief of sorts is the fact that the Pakistan team under Babar Azam enjoyed a vital moment of reprieve as they met the most important Prince of the country. And that’s King Charles!

 

Present at the revered occasion were members of their current Pakistani national side who are to play more contests up head with the Test matches at Headingley and Lord’s already rendered complete.

And to mark the importance of the occasion with regard and gratitude, if one could put it like that, Babar Azam, the current captain of the embattled test side presented a bat to Prince Charles. The same carried the signatures of the current members of the Test team. Prince Charles, gracious as always, welcomes the gift and the kind gesture extended to him.

And he also casually remarked whilst sporting a warm smile if the cricket bat was made of Pakistani willow! To which, Babar Azam, replied with an affirmative.

It remains to be seen what happens in the near future with the third test of the series slated to begin from September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Ideally, the out of form skipper Babar Azam, keenly hunting runs, should fire back immediately with the bat. But will that happen for real with Ollie Robinson in real threatening form as someone the other bowlers?