LAHORE– Nearly eight years after playing a pivotal role in Pakistan’s victory in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017, Babar Azam is gearing up to help his team repeat that success.
At just 22 years old, Babar’s performance in the final against India—scoring a crucial 46 off 52 balls—was a defining moment in his career. Now, as one of the world’s leading batters across all formats, Babar has his sights set on helping Pakistan conquer another ICC tournament, with the upcoming competition in Pakistan being a significant milestone.
Reflecting on the 2017 final, Babar shared, “My primary memories are of Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 114, Mohammad Amir’s spell, Hasan Ali’s efforts, and, of course, the winning moment. It was a new journey for me, as a young player, with excitement and nervousness, especially playing against India. But when we won, the joy and celebration were unforgettable.”
Babar emphasized, however, that despite many changes in the team, the belief and confidence from that victorious campaign remain the same. “A lot has changed since 2017, with new players coming in. Only a few of us from the Champions Trophy team remain, but the belief, confidence, and execution are the same,” he stated.
As Pakistan prepares for their opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday, all eyes are on Babar, who heads into the tournament as the world’s top-ranked ODI batter. This match will see Babar go head-to-head with New Zealand’s star Kane Williamson, adding further intrigue to the encounter.
With Pakistan’s recent tournament performances falling short, including early exits in the last two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Babar remains undeterred. “There is no pressure,” he said. “What happened in the past is beyond us. We have worked on our mistakes, and we aim to avoid repeating them.”
Read More: Babar Azam becomes fastest Pakistani to reach 6,000 ODI runs
Home advantage could be crucial for Pakistan as they look to improve their record. Lahore, Babar’s home city, will host some of the matches, and he believes the familiarity with the conditions will give Pakistan an edge. “Playing at home gives you an advantage as you know the conditions and how the pitch will behave,” he explained. “But we still need to play good cricket, as all other teams are top-notch.”
For Babar and his team, the chance to host an ICC tournament is a source of immense pride. “The hospitality here in Pakistan is great, and people love cricket. Cricket unites everyone, and the whole country is praying for our success.”
As the tournament unfolds, Babar’s leadership and performance will be crucial in guiding Pakistan to success on home soil, and the nation’s hopes rest on his shoulders.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.