Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's mother was on a ventilator after surgery while his side played India in their opening contest of the T20 World Cup, confirmed the star batter's father on Saturday.
Babar's father, Azam Siddiqui, took to Instagram to share, "Now my nation should know some truth. Congratulations to all of you on the victory of all three. There was a big test at our house. On the day the match was against India, on that day Babar's mother was on ventilator."
Though Pakistan have made it three in three in the World T20, Siddique revealed that Babar has played all three games in "severe distress". Babar notched up unbeaten 68 against India, helping Pakistan end India's near-three-decade domination in World Cup history. He also set the tone against Afghanistan by scoring 51 off 47 deliveries.
Babar's father was in the stands during India-Pakistan contest
With Pakistan already on six points having played all their tough games (India, New Zealand and Afghanistan) in the first week of Super 12s, the Men in Green are expected to edge Namibia and Scotland en route their expected top place finish in Group 2.
"Babar played all three matches in severe distress. I don't want to come here. It was supposed to be, but I came so that Babar may not get weak. It is the grace of God that he is fine now. The purpose of sharing is to not criticize our national heroes without any reason. And yes, I know, if I don't get paradise. If you get a position, you have to give exams too. Long live Pakistan," Siddiqui wrote in his post.
Siddiqui was also in present in the stands when Pakistan ended their barren World Cup run against India. He was filled with emotions before breaking into tears after Pakistan's victory. In a widely-circulated video on Twitter, he was seen controlling his tears at the Dubai International Stadium.
Following the record-breaking win, Babar had also urged his teammates to not get too carried away. "We can't afford to relax after this. Be it bowling, batting or fielding, we have to give our 100 percent. As a team, we have won. We will enjoy it with our families, but we shouldn't get overexcited. Please, I am requesting you all. We can't afford to lose our focus," Babar had said in the post-match presentation.
