National cricket team captain Babar Azam acknowledged that the team has learned valuable lessons from their disappointing performance in the Asia Cup, and their spirits are high. He expressed the team’s commitment to putting up strong performances in the upcoming warm-up matches.
During a press conference in Lahore, Captain Babar Azam mentioned that this would be his first time playing on Indian soil, and several team members lack experience in such conditions. Nevertheless, they believe the conditions will be similar to those in other Asian countries and do not feel undue pressure regarding the matches against their opponents. Their primary goal is to win all their matches.
Reflecting on the Asia Cup, Babar Azam noted that while the team as a whole did not perform well, they have individually and collectively learned from their mistakes. He emphasized that the World Cup is a different tournament, and their planning will be tailored accordingly.
When asked about their aspirations for the tournament, Babar Azam stated that reaching the top four is a modest target for the team, and their ultimate aim is to return as champions. The team had limited time for a training camp before the World Cup due to their continuous schedule.
Regarding the absence of Naseem Shah, Babar Azam acknowledged that they will miss him as his partnership with Shaheen Shah Afridi was advantageous for their bowling attack. Selecting a replacement for Naseem Shah was a challenging decision, but Babar Azam expressed confidence in his team’s overall World Cup experience.
Responding to inquiries about the spinners’ performance, Babar Azam acknowledged that the unit faced criticism and had some tough days. However, he defended their abilities, emphasizing that representing the Pakistani team is a demanding task and their inclusion in the team is based on their past performances. He expressed his full trust in them.
In terms of Pakistan cricket fans, Babar Azam expressed regret that they won’t be able to enjoy the support of fans in person due to the circumstances. Nevertheless, he assured fans that their love and support will be felt on social media. He also mentioned hearing about Indian fans expressing their love, although he personally has not experienced it yet.
