ISLAMABAD: Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan team, expressed on Tuesday that they are brimming with confidence as they prepare to depart for India to compete in the ICC Men’s World Cup, all while keeping their sights set on the prestigious trophy.
During a pre-departure press conference in Lahore, the skipper expressed high morale and confidence within the team. He urged everyone to pray for the team and mentioned their commitment to giving their best.
The team, having faced a setback in the recently concluded Asia Cup, where they secured fourth place and saw their ICC ODI ranking drop to second, believes that the experience was a valuable learning opportunity.
The captain emphasized that they don’t just identify their mistakes but also actively discuss strategies for improvement. He stated that their approach for the Asia Cup was different, and they will adopt a distinct plan for the upcoming event, considering the varying conditions. The team will carefully assess the conditions and formulate the best possible strategy for Pakistan.
‘I trust my players more than I trust myself’
Critics have targeted the team’s middle-over bowling following their lackluster Asia Cup performance. The captain acknowledged the issue and expressed trust in his players, referencing their prior success as the top ODI team.
“I spoke to Shadab Khan and we gave confidence to each other. I and Shadab know that we aren’t bowling well in the middle overs, but I trust my players more than I trust myself,” he said.
Hasan Ali’s inclusion, despite his year-long absence in the 50-over format, was based on experience. The captain emphasized the value of a stable squad built on trust among players who have been together since 2019.
He stressed the importance of supporting underperforming players and expressed regret for Naseem Shah’s absence due to injury.
first time Playing in India
The captain, playing in India for the first time in his career, expressed excitement and confidence in handling the conditions. Only two players in the current squad have previous experience in India. He’s looking forward to the India-Pakistan clash in Ahmedabad and isn’t overly concerned about the conditions. He emphasized focusing on team performance rather than personal worries.
Rift with Shaheen
The Pakistan skipper refuted claims of a “war of words” with pacer Shaheen Afridi, emphasizing the team’s familial bond and mutual respect.
During a press conference, a journalist asked Babar about rumors regarding differences within the team, specifically with Shaheen Afridi after the Asia Cup. Babar clarified that while disagreements may arise during team meetings, these were taken out of context and there was no intense rivalry between them.
He stressed that they hold the same level of respect for each other and have a strong, familial connection.
