Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam said that he had a cordial conversation with Ramiz Raja, the incoming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president and former opener, who is expected to take over on 13th September assuming the PCB’s board of governors approves the decision.
“I had a positive discussion with Ramiz [Raja] Bhai. He shared his mindset with us and we would carry that forward,” Azam said.
“We have picked a balanced squad for New Zealand ODIs. We are facing issues in the middle-order and this series is a good opportunity for players making a comeback to cement their place in the side. There is no pressure of captaincy on me. I try to learn from my mistakes,” he added.
Team India will get busy with franchise cricket: Babar Azam
Azam also commented on the next T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan, which will be contested on 24th October. He said that India’s lack of match preparation in the shorter format will be a disadvantage because they are considering playing Test cricket and really haven’t performed 20-overs cricket in a long time.
“India will be under more pressure, as compared to Pakistan, during the T20 World Cup match as they have not played T20 cricket as a group for quite a while. India are currently playing Test cricket and after that, they will get busy with franchise cricket.”
“The UAE is like our home ground and we will try to give our 100 percent on the field,” said Azam.
Furthermore, during the 2nd half of the Indian Premier League, which will be played in the Gulf states well before the T20 World Cup, all of the teams will have the opportunity to acclimate to the UAE conditions. In this year’s World Cup, the IPL final is set to take place only 2 days before the tournament begins.
