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ICC World Cup 2023: Babar Azam says Pakistan going to India with ‘high morale’

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1 year ago

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  • Babar says team learned from mistakes in Asia Cup.
  • Skipper vows to come on top in upcoming mega event.
  • He also denies reports of rifts with Shaheen Afridi.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said Tuesday the Green Shirts were filled with confidence ahead of their departure to India for the ICC Men’s World Cup, with an eye on the coveted trophy.

“As a team, our morale is very high, we have confidence. We will try to play our best. I request all of you to pray for the team,” the skipper said during a pre-departure press conference in Lahore.

The team heads to the 50-over tournament after their setback in the recently concluded Asia Cup, where they came fourth and their ICC ODI ranking fell to second, but the skipper believes the debacle helped the team learn.

“We could not deliver up to the mark, but we learned from it. We just don’t point out our errors, but we also talk about how to improve those sides,” the captain noted.

Babar said the team’s planning for the Asia Cup was different, and another plan for the upcoming event would be different.

“The conditions are different from Asia Cup. We will monitor the conditions, and whatever is best for Pakistan, we will go into the match with that planning,” the stylish batter noted.

‘I trust my players more than I trust myself’

The team has been under criticism due to its lacklustre performance in the Asia Cup, with several pundits agreeing that the Green Shirts were lacking in middle-over bowling.

“I spoke to Shadab Khan and we gave confidence to each other. I and Shadab know that we aren’t bowling well in the middle overs, but I trust my players more than I trust myself,” he said.

The captain noted that this was the same squad that made Pakistan the number 1 ODI team and that he was well aware of the players who fought for the team.

Due to Naseem Shah’s injury, the team has included Hasan Ali in the squad despite him not representing Pakistan in the 50-over format for more than a year.

The captain, in response to a question, said Ali was picked due to his experience. Babar said that he and seven to nine other players were playing together since 2019, noting that he prefers keeping those in the squad he trusts.

“I make very few changes; when we are together, we produce good results. A player should be supported when he is not doing well,” he said, noting that the team would miss Shah.

Playing for first time in India

The captain, who will be playing in India for the first time in his years-long career, said he was excited and not worried about the conditions in the neighbouring nation.

Only two players from Pakistan’s current squad have travelled to India for cricket before — Mohammad Nawaz, who was part of Pakistan’s 2016 T20 World Cup squad and Agha Salman, who was in the Lahore Lions’ squad for the Champions League T20.

“I’m very excited to play in Ahmedabad. It is the biggest stadium in the world and will be jam-packed for the India-Pakistan clash,” he said.

“I have spoken to former cricketers about the condition and they are not that different,” he said.

“I will try to perform to the best of my ability. I can’t exactly tell you how I will do since I’m not an astrologer.”

“I’m not worried about my performance. I always try to perform in a manner that suits the team,” he added. 

‘Rift’ with Shaheen?

The Pakistan skipper also rejected reports of a “war of words” with pacer Shaheen Afridi, saying the players “love each other like a family”.

“Since when you became captain, the team has given you respect and everyone honours you a lot, even Iftikhar Ahmed considers you elder brother,” a journalist asked Babar.

He was then asked about rumours of differences within the team.

“There were reports regarding Shaheen Afridi after the Asia Cup debacle so the fans want to know how good your bonding is with Shaheen Afridi and how much he respects you?”

In response, Babar said: “Everyone gives me respect…. and see when you lose close matches then certain [diagreements] do take place in team meetings but this was taken out of context that there was a duel between us.”

“There’s nothing like this. We have the same respect for each other and will remain the same. We love each other like a family.”

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India’s decision not to play in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy has ICC “seeks” an explanation.

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3 days ago

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Our sources tell us that the ICC has demanded that the BCCI justify its decision with reasonable arguments that follow the guidelines set out by the organization. After reviewing the explanations, the ICC has the option to ask India to play in the event if they are not sufficiently satisfied.

After reviewing the explanations, the ICC has the option to ask India to play in the event if they are not sufficiently satisfied. A colossal loss of estimated $500 million would befall the ICC if India does not participate.

Also, an extra $100 million could go down the drain if the much-anticipated Indo-Pak matches dont happen.

These latest developments occurred as the tournament schedule remained unclear following the Indian government’s refusal to send a team to Pakistan for the event.

The schedule was supposed to be announced earlier this week by the International Cricket Council (ICC), but it was postponed due to uncertainty surrounding India’s visa to Pakistan.

I should mention that on November 9, the Indian Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) notified the ICC that India will not be going to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Sources indicate that following India’s decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed their concerns to the International Cricket Council.

Requesting an explanation for the BCCI’s decision not to tour Pakistan, the PCB notified the ICC of the Pakistani government’s hard position on the subject in its letter.

It should be noted that due to the continuing political turmoil between the two neighboring countries, India has refrained from visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2008 and beyond.

In contrast, Pakistan has paid four separate visits to India within the past sixteen years. Following their 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup visit, they made their most recent stop in 2016.

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Shaheen Afridi regains the top position in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings.

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4 days ago

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Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has supplanted South African spinner Keshav Maharaj to ascend to the position of the number one bowler in the most recent International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, released on Wednesday.

Pakistan, led by newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, triumphed against Australia in the third ODI by eight wickets in Perth, securing their inaugural series victory in Australia since 2002.

The visitors lost the initial match of the three-match series by two wickets; however, they executed a remarkable comeback to secure the series 2-1.

As a result, Pakistani players achieved notable advancements in the most recent ICC ODI Rankings, with Shaheen Afridi regaining the premier position among bowlers.

Afridi demonstrated his bowling skill against Australia, securing eight wickets in three matches at an impressive average of 12.62, leading to a three-position ascent in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings.

The left-arm bowler has previously occupied the number one position momentarily during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

After his ascent, Pakistan currently occupies the first position in both batting and bowling rankings in ODI cricket, with Babar Azam reinforcing his dominance among hitters.

Azam accumulated 80 runs in three innings against Australia, being dismissed only once and hitting the decisive boundary in both of Pakistan’s triumphs.

Haris Rauf, honoured as Player of the Series, ascended 14 positions to attain his career-high 13th rank in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings, with 618 rating points.

The right-arm fast bowler took 10 wickets in the three-match series with an amazing average of 12.00.

Naseem Shah, having claimed five wickets in the series, ascended 14 positions to attain the 55th rank.

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PCB questions ICC on India’s reluctance to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

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5 days ago

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dispatched a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC). It requested clarification on India’s position for participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan.

In a formal correspondence to ICC Chairman Greg Barclay, the PCB solicited information regarding the timing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s notification to the ICC over its likely withdrawal from the event.

The PCB’s correspondence also seeks to ascertain whether the BCCI has provided an official, written denial to the ICC, detailing the rationale for the Indian cricket team’s possible non-participation. The PCB has requested the ICC to furnish a copy of any formal correspondence from the BCCI elucidating the reasoning behind their position. The PCB intends to meticulously examine these grounds to comprehend the rationale for the decision.

The ICC’s stance regarding India’s involvement

The PCB has urged the ICC to clarify its stance on the BCCI’s refusal to dispatch the team. The PCB requests clarification on the ICC’s intentions regarding the formal acceptance of India’s withdrawal and its implications for the tournament’s structure and schedule.

Strategy of PCB

The PCB has indicated its intention to seek legal counsel in light of the ICC’s statement, while also intending to confer with the Pakistani government to coordinate future steps. PCB authorities assert that should India officially withdraw and the ICC acquiesce to their absence, Pakistan may decline to compete against India in Champions Trophy matches held at any venue outside of Pakistan.

Sources indicate that PCB’s response strategy will be formulated following ICC’s official reply. The scenario underscores potential geopolitical tensions that may affect cricketing relations between the two countries.

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