In his first press conference as Pakistan cricket team’s reinstated captain, Babar Azam finally addressed the recent controversy surrounding his relationship with Shaheen Afridi.
Bond Beyond Cricket: Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam
“I want to make clear that Shaheen [Afridi] and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way,” Babar said ahead of the T20I series opener vs New Zealand in Rawalpindi.
“We support each other in every situation. Our aim is to put Pakistan first, and how to put Pakistan’s name up in lights. We don’t think of individual glory, and thankfully, those elements are not present in my team.” Babar stated.
He emphasized their shared goal of success for Pakistan, dismissing rumors of a rift between the two stars. This sentiment aligns with ESPNcricinfo’s reports, suggesting Shaheen Afridi’s frustrations were directed at the PCB, not Babar Azam.
Babar Azam is back in Hot Seat
This press conference marked a fresh start for Babar Azam’s captaincy. He acknowledged the awkwardness of returning to the role, but quickly settled into a familiar routine, discussing the importance of learning from mistakes and continuous improvement.
Pakistan focus on Young Talent
Babar Azam also addressed the inclusion of Usman Khan, who recently switched allegiance back to Pakistan Cricket Team. He emphasized the importance of supporting young players and integrating them into the team.
Experimentation for T20 World Cup
While the upcoming series against New Zealand didn’t receive much focus, Babar Azam hinted at experimentation with the lineup.
He explained this as part of their preparation for the T20 World Cup, aiming to discover the best playing combinations.
Second Chance at Captaincy for Babar Azam
Babar Azam’s return to captaincy presents a unique opportunity. He will be the first player to lead Pakistan in all three T20 World Cups of the 2020s. This chance allows him to address shortcomings from his previous stint and potentially handle external pressures more effectively.
The Pressure of Leadership
Babar Azam acknowledged the differing mindset required for captaincy compared to batting or fielding. He expressed his desire to enjoy the role while showcasing his abilities. A hint of weariness surfaced when he confessed to feeling that some might not want him to succeed.
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Pakistan Cricket Future
Despite the recent turbulence, Babar Azam remains focused on leading Pakistan to victory. With a renewed sense of purpose and a focus on building a strong team for the T20 World Cup, Babar’s second stint as captain promises to be an intriguing chapter in Pakistani cricket.
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