Pakistan captain Babar Azam has addressed the upcoming match against India and emphasized his team’s focus on the World Cup. While there have been concerns regarding Pakistan’s tour to India for security reasons, Babar expressed his team’s commitment to playing in the tournament and their aim to win matches against all teams, not just India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had requested the ICC and BCCI to change the venue for two matches, but those requests were turned down. The Pakistani government will give the final clearance after thoroughly evaluating the security arrangements.
During his first press conference after returning from Hajj, Babar was asked about Pakistan’s chances of finally winning an ICC World Cup, especially in India, where the reporter claimed that Pakistan cricket is being degraded. Babar swiftly responded that they focus on playing the World Cup and not just against India. He emphasized the importance of performing well against all ten teams and securing a place in the final.
“I’ve heard a lot. We are going to play the World Cup, not to play against India. Barring India, there are other different teams whom we have to play against. If we can beat them, we will play in the final. Our focus is not on one team but all 10 of them. We plan to play well against all teams, win matches and then secure a ticket for the final,” the Pakistan captain said.
The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match is scheduled for October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The stadium, being the largest cricketing venue in the world, presents a significant challenge for Babar and his team. India has a dominant record against Pakistan in ODI World Cups, with a 7-0 advantage. Although Pakistan broke the hoodoo with a T20 World Cup victory in 2021, the 50-over format poses a different challenge.
Babar acknowledged the magnitude of playing in front of 130,000 spectators in India after a decade-long gap. However, he emphasized that as professionals, they are prepared for all conditions and environments. He considers it a challenge and aims to perform well, dominate, and win matches for Pakistan in every country they play.
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“Our thought is simple. Wherever there is cricket, there are matches. We have to go and play. As a professional, you must be ready to play in different conditions and environments. This is what we call a challenge. As a player and captain, I aim to go to every country and perform well, dominate and win matches for Pakistan. So that is what is on our minds and not that we have to play well against one team,” Babar added.
Babar’s statement reflects his determination to focus on the overall tournament rather than getting distracted by any single team, including India. He aims to lead his team to success by performing consistently and winning matches against all opponents.
