Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman believes the national team can end its long wait for a major ICC trophy. He says the upcoming ODI tri-series will provide crucial preparation for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Africa. With Pakistan aiming to turn recent near-misses into a major triumph, the team hopes to build momentum through competitive 50-over cricket.
Speaking at a press conference at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, Fakhar said the players had developed good rhythm through recent first-class cricket. He believes the longer format has improved their fitness and strengthened their mental toughness ahead of the upcoming challenges.
Pakistan’s ODI Tri-Series to Test World Cup Preparations
The 50-over tri-series will feature Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka from October 18 to 31. Matches will take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore, giving Pakistan valuable opportunities to assess its combination before the global tournament.
Fakhar explained that first-class cricket helps players adjust to the physical and mental demands of one-day internationals. In contrast, frequent T20 matches can make the longer ODI format feel more demanding.
He also revealed that he personally fielded for around 150 overs during the recent first-class season. According to the batter, such match exposure has helped prepare players for the challenges ahead.
Fakhar expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s squad combination and preparations. Moreover, he said the World Cup remained a central focus as the team planned to use the tri-series to finalise its options.
‘Winning a trophy is different from reaching a final’
Fakhar acknowledged the expectations surrounding Pakistan’s pursuit of a major international title. Although the team has reached finals and semi-finals in recent years, it has struggled to convert those opportunities into trophies.
He said the players had discussed the issue seriously and wanted to deliver a result that fans could celebrate.
“Reaching a final is one thing, but the happiness a nation feels after winning a trophy is completely different,” he said, adding that players understood the expectations of passionate Pakistani fans.
The batter also recognised that individual performances can fluctuate between matches. Nevertheless, he said every player, regardless of experience, wanted to contribute and improve.
For Pakistan, the challenge will be to translate determination into consistent performances when the pressure rises. The tri-series offers an opportunity to test that approach against strong international opposition.
Pakistan Develops Plans for England
Fakhar confirmed that the team management had discussed strategies for facing England during the upcoming series. However, he cautioned against treating Test cricket and white-ball cricket as the same challenge.
He also noted that changes in the squad would influence Pakistan’s plans. Therefore, the tri-series will help the team assess its options and strengthen its combination before the World Cup.
With England and Sri Lanka providing competitive opposition, Pakistan will have opportunities to test its approach across different match situations. The results could also help players build confidence ahead of the global event.
Fakhar Zaman Backs Pakistan to Deliver for Fans
Fakhar described ODI cricket as his favourite format and expressed hope that Pakistan would produce quality performances during the series. He wants the team to give supporters plenty of reasons to celebrate while preparing for next year’s World Cup.
His comments reflect Pakistan’s determination to move beyond recent final and semi-final appearances and pursue a major ICC title. However, the team must now turn its preparations into results on the field.
The tri-series begins on October 18, offering Pakistan an important early test of its World Cup plans. For Fakhar and his teammates, the larger goal remains clear: compete strongly, build a settled combination and bring home a major trophy.
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