Even though there is no official confirmation regarding Pakistan's entry to the ICC ODI World Cup in India later this year, the captain of their cricket team Babar Azam has said that the team is focused on the marquee event in 50-overs cricket this year. Notably, Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Najam Sethi had threatened to boycott the world event scheduled to be staged in India this year after BCCI's stance to not come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup.
However, Babar's statement suggests that the team is concentrating on what is in their hands which is staying prepared for the tournament. In addition, there has not been any official communication along the same lines which means that for now Pakistan are very much part of the ODI World Cup in India.
“We are focused on the World Cup in India and will try to put up a good show during the tournament,” Babar told Geo News.
While the skipper of the Men in Green noted that his form along with that of Mohammad Rizwan will be crucial, he added that it was a team game and even the other players needed to raise their hands when the situation arises.
"I will try to score runs alongside Mohammad Rizwan since we have a good combination at the top. But having said that it is not possible to score in every innings, which is why it is important not to depend on only two players in the team. However, we also have other players in the team who are eager to play a match-winning role for the team on the field," the 28-year-old stated.
Pakistan and India have produced some thrilling games in their recent face-offs. While the two teams faced each other twice in the Asia Cup with India winning 1 and losing the other, in a game that will be remembered for the ages, India beat their arch-rivals by 4 wickets in their T20 World Cup opener at the MCG.
Fans would be hoping to see more such nail-biting encounters when the two teams meet in the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup later this year.