Pakistan captain Babar Azam has emphasized the importance of his team “sticking to the fundamentals and playing simple cricket” as they gear up for the highly anticipated clash against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s opening match is scheduled for June 6 against the United States, following the US team’s victory over Canada in the tournament’s inaugural game, co-hosted by the US and West Indies.
The Pakistan-India encounter is set for June 9 at the Eisenhower Park stadium in Nassau County, New York, where heightened security measures are expected due to reported threats surrounding the match.
In a podcast released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, Babar discussed the upcoming match against India, highlighting its significance on the global stage. “The India-Pakistan match is always a focal point,” he remarked. “While nerves may be present, it’s crucial to maintain focus, stick to the basics, and play uncomplicated cricket. It’s a high-pressure game, but staying composed and trusting in our skills and hard work can make things easier.”
Babar, who resumed captaincy in two formats in March, acknowledged the immense hype surrounding an India-Pakistan encounter, describing it as the most talked-about match worldwide. He expressed concerns about adapting to the ground conditions in the US, as the team will be playing there for the first time.
To prepare adequately, Babar highlighted the team’s efforts to gather insights from players with experience playing in the US. Regarding his role as captain, he emphasized the importance of communication, emotional control, and backing the players to deliver their best performance.
Babar articulated his ambition to lift an ICC trophy for Pakistan, considering it a significant motivation and aspiration. He stressed the need to play top-quality cricket against all opponents to achieve this goal.
Reflecting on past T20 World Cups, Babar described Pakistan’s performances as commendable but lamented their inability to finish strongly. He recalled missed opportunities in crucial matches and emphasized the team’s focus on learning from past mistakes to improve their current campaign.
