ODI World Cup 2023: Babar Azam shares his views on Pakistan's campaign and mood in the camp
Babar Azam has expressed his thoughts on Pakistan's ICC World Cup 2023 campaign and the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka.
FollowBabar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, expressed his thoughts on the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 and the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. Babar confidently stated that the internal issues within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would not impact the team's performance in the World Cup or any other assignments leading up to it.
As one of the top batsmen in the world currently, Babar emphasised that his team is approaching the World Cup as a complete tournament, rather than solely focusing on the high-stakes encounter against their arch-rivals, India. When asked about the potential impact of recent changes in PCB leadership and the selection committee on the players, Babar emphasized that their primary responsibility is to stay focused on the game of cricket.
"We don't focus on what is happening in the PCB. We just focus on cricket. We have the entire schedule of our coming matches before us and we know what needs to be done to win matches as professionals," Babar said.
"We are not thinking only about playing and winning against India in the World Cup. We are looking at doing well in every match if we are to win the ICC titleâ said Babar
"We are going to play the World Cup not just India in India." Babar said the players are preparing for the back-to-back assignments lined up for them.
Also Read:Â Netherlands becomes 10th team to qualify for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
"We have to play the World Cup wherever it is held and we are excited about the challenges ahead of us," he said.
Additionally, Babar Azam mentioned that the Pakistan team is strategically preparing for the Asia Cup and World Cup, taking into account their strengths and considering the conditions in the host nations. He acknowledged the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka as a challenging endeavour, as it marks the beginning of a new cycle for the World Test Championship for the team.
"We will be guided by Mickey Arthur in Sri Lanka as he had also remained their coach and knows the conditions there well," he said.
Babar also believes that the Test series in Sri Lanka would help Pakistan in their preparations for the 50-over Asia Cup and World Cup.
"The formats are different but playing in conditions like Sri Lanka will help us prepare well," he said.
