Cricket – Third Test – Pakistan v England – National Stadium Karachi, Pakistan – December 19, 2022. Pakistan captain Babar Azam plays a shot. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo Acquire license rights
LAHORE, Pakistan, Sept 26 (Reuters) – Pakistan captain Babar Azam does not believe unfamiliarity with Indian conditions will hurt their bid for a second 50-over World Cup title as they embark on Tuesday on an unusual tour of the neighboring country.
Bilateral cricket remains suspended between the neighbours, thanks to their poor political relations, and the last time Pakistan toured India was for the T20 World Cup in 2016.
Pakistan’s players are also not featured in the Indian Premier League, meaning most of them would have little knowledge of the conditions they will face during the main event starting on October 5.
In his pre-match press conference, Babar dismissed suggestions that he would increase pressure on his team to perform well across the border.
“There is no such pressure,” the 28-year-old told reporters as his team prepared to leave for India via Dubai.
“Each player remains prepared to perform in all conditions, in all countries.
“Most of us have not played in India, but the information we have gathered suggests that conditions will be similar, except in Chennai, perhaps where spinners get more help.
“The rest of the venues will have good sports courts.
“I played in the 2019 World Cup as a player, but this time I am the leader of the team. It is a great honor for me and our effort would be to perform well and bring the World Cup home.”
The difficulty in getting a visa for the tour of India meant that Pakistan would not receive much support from the stands either, but Babar was not bothered.
“Unfortunately, we will miss the fans,” said Pakistan’s batting mainstay.
“However, our matches are sold out, so we will play in packed stadiums.
“Even though our fans won’t be there, I know they will make sure their love is heard on social media.”
Pakistan will play two warm-up matches in Hyderabad before beginning their World Cup campaign with a match on October 6 against the Netherlands.
Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; edited by Christian Radnedge
Our standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Discover more from PressNewsAgency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.