Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has emphasized that his side is focused on performing well against all opponents in the upcoming World Cup, and not just their arch-rivals, India. Speaking at a press conference, Babar stated that Pakistan’s goal is to approach all nine matches of the league stage with a winning mentality, increasing their chances of clinching the coveted trophy.
While the World Cup is scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19, the participation of the Pakistan team is yet to be confirmed. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with relevant government departments, is currently carrying out due diligence as part of the routine process before giving the green light for the team to travel to India.
Nonetheless, Babar Azam affirmed that his team is prepared for the World Cup and is willing to play at any venue assigned to them. He expressed his enthusiasm for playing in different conditions and venues, highlighting the challenges that come with it. Babar also emphasized his personal commitment to performing in all countries and leading Pakistan to victory.
Prior to the World Cup and the Asia Cup, Pakistan will commence their 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship campaign with a two-match series against Sri Lanka, starting on July 16. With the conditions in Sri Lanka favoring spin bowling, Babar faces a tough decision regarding the selection of wicket-keepers/batters, with Sarfraz Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan as potential candidates.
While Sarfraz demonstrated exceptional skill against spin during Pakistan’s last Test series against New Zealand, Rizwan holds the position of vice-captain in the red-ball side. Babar Azam, however, expressed his willingness to exclude Rizwan from the playing XI if the conditions demand it. He stated that having the vice-captain on the field is not necessary and that the team will select the best XI based on the prevailing conditions.
Babar Azam’s comments reflect the team’s commitment to approaching the World Cup with a holistic mindset. By not solely focusing on their traditional rivalry with India, Pakistan aims to maintain a consistent and high-performance level against all their opponents. This approach is indicative of a mature and professional team, determined to achieve success on the grandest stage of international cricket.
The uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup adds an additional layer of intrigue to their preparations. However, Babar Azam’s assurance that his team is ready to play wherever assigned highlights their adaptability and willingness to tackle any challenge. As the captain, Babar’s commitment to performing in all countries sets a positive example for his teammates and instills confidence in their ability to excel on diverse cricketing landscapes.
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As Pakistan’s cricket fans eagerly await the team’s confirmation for the World Cup, they can take solace in the captain’s words and the team’s determination to perform at their best against all adversaries. With Babar Azam at the helm, Pakistan’s cricketing future appears promising, as they strive to make a mark on the global stage and bring glory to their cricket-loving nation.
