Babar Azam Questions Asia Cup Schedule Hours Before Pakistan's Tournament Opener Against Nepal
Babar Azam did not seem happy with the Asia Cup 2023 schedule but said that the team is ready for it.
Hours before the start of the Asia CUp 2023 opener in Multan set to be played between Pakistan and Nepal, Men in Green skipper Babar Azam questioned the tight scheduling of the tournament. He even suggested that the entire competition should have ideally been played in Pakistan but nothing can be done about it. Notably, the continental tournament is being played in the hybrid model with matches being played across Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Babar highlighted how the team would have very little breathing space between matches and would also have to travel with the tournament being played in two countries.
"If you ask me, it would have been good if the whole tournament would have been held in Pakistan, but unfortunately, nothing can be done about it," Babar said at the pre-tournament press conference.
Follow LIVE SCORES- PAK vs NEP ODI Score Live, Asia Cup 2023
"As professionals, we are ready for any schedule that is given to us. There would be travelling as well as back-to-back games and we are ready for that," he added.
"Our coaches and support staff have chalked out plans about how much we would utilise each player and also we have booked our flights in such a manner, that our travelling schedule gives enough time to rest," he further said.
Talking about the opening match, this is the first time Pakistan is facing Nepal in ODI format. Nepal becomes the 19th opponent of Pakistan in One Day International cricket history. Captain Babar won the toss and elected to bat first in this contest where they start as the overwhelming favourites. While Pakistan are the number 1 ranked side in the world, Nepal are the number 15 side the world and had to play the qualifiers to earn their way to this stage.
Pakistan's next encounter will be the much-anticipated clash against India at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday (September 2).
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