TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: A sizable crowd had gathered outside the ICC Academy in Dubai on Friday when the Pakistan cricket team arrived for their first training session since landing in the city a day prior. Amid the chants of "Babar, Babar, King Babar, humara King Babar", the players rushed into the facility without even acknowledging the presence of the fans who were screaming their lungs out for autographs and selfies. The dash of players left many disappointed, and some were even in tears, but the team seemed focussed on the job at hand.
They had very little time to get used to the conditions in Dubai which are very different from what they are getting back home in Pakistan for the ongoing Champions Trophy. Since Saturday would be more about getting used to the ring of fire at the Dubai International Stadium, Friday's session was critical for the host nation to tick the crucial boxes before the big game. Just when the players finished their warm-up drills and headed to the change room to put on their respective gear, they were greeted by a familiar face.
