Pakistan captain Babar Azam is reported to be down with a fever ahead of the third Test against England, according to NDTV. His illness adds to concerns for Pakistan’s squad fitness and match readiness.

NDTV also links the wider strain around the team to internal turmoil caused by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) actions. The report says mass sackings have contributed to instability within the setup, deepening the team crisis ahead of the series’ next match. While the illness itself is presented as a direct immediate issue, the coverage frames it within a broader context of disruption in management and team environment. The report does not detail specific staff changes or medical assessments beyond the fever, but it emphasizes the timing—coming at a critical point with the third Test approaching.