Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, expressed the team's high morale as they prepared to depart for India for the ICC Men's World Cup, with their sights set on winning the prestigious trophy. During a press conference in Lahore before their departure, Babar requested everyone's prayers for the team's success.
Despite a recent setback in the Asia Cup, where Pakistan finished fourth and saw their ICC ODI ranking drop to second, Babar believes that the experience has been a valuable learning opportunity for the team. He emphasized that they not only identify their mistakes but also discuss ways to improve.
Regarding the upcoming World Cup, Babar acknowledged that the conditions would be different from the Asia Cup, and the team's strategy would accordingly adapt to the new environment.
Addressing concerns about the team's middle-over bowling, Babar expressed confidence in his players and emphasized their unity. He explained that the squad had achieved the status of the number 1 ODI team together and stressed the importance of supporting players during challenging times.
Babar also discussed the inclusion of Hasan Ali in the squad due to Naseem Shah's injury, citing Ali's experience as a key factor. He expressed a preference for consistency within the team.
Babar, who will be playing in India for the first time in his career, expressed excitement about the opportunity and downplayed concerns about the playing conditions, relying on advice from former cricketers who suggested the conditions were not significantly different.
He remained focused on performing to the best of his ability for the team, prioritizing their success over personal achievements.
Lastly, Babar dismissed reports of a rift with fellow player Shaheen Afridi, emphasizing the team's unity and strong bond, stating that they view each other as family and respect one another.
