Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam expressed confidence and readiness as the team prepared for their upcoming matches in the United States of America (USA).
Speaking to the media, Babar emphasized the team's extensive preparations and adaptability to the local conditions.
"We have come to America with good preparations," Babar said, highlighting that both batters and bowlers have been training rigorously. "Batters have been training indoors while bowlers are training in the field," he added.
Acknowledging the unique playing conditions, Babar noted that high-scoring matches are rare in America. He pointed out that some players, including Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Haris Rauf, have prior experience playing here, which will be beneficial.
Addressing the team's strategy, Babar mentioned that batting positions are flexible and will be adjusted based on the situation. "No one's batting number is fixed; it can change according to the situation," he explained.
Despite Saim Ayub's recent struggles, Babar reaffirmed his faith in the young player, calling him a "game changer" who simply "didn't get the turn he needed." He stressed the importance of supporting each player, especially on their off days, to maintain team morale and performance.
Babar placed particular trust in Shadab Khan, praising his versatility and effectiveness in all three aspects of the game. "I have the most faith in Shadab. He is effective in all three fields of the game," he said, hopeful that the conditions would suit Shadab well.
Reflecting on the overall team dynamics, Babar emphasized the collective effort required to win matches and expressed strong confidence in his fast bowlers. He also assured that past mistakes would not be repeated, focusing on learning and improvement.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Babar's sole objective is clear: "My only goal is to win the World Cup. Individual goals come later." He underscored his commitment to fulfilling the team's needs over personal accolades.
Babar dismissed concerns about logistical challenges, such as travel distances and facilities, stating that such matters are for the board to handle. "We are not thinking about the distance from the hotel or the facilities," he remarked.
He expressed excitement about cricket's debut in America and maintained a positive outlook despite the absence of warm-up matches. "Cricket is happening for the first time in America, so don't think that this or that is not available," he added.
The Pakistani team is set to begin their World Cup campaign tomorrow (Wednesday).
