No Communication Gap Among Players, Asserts Babar Azam
Pakistan Captain Babar Azam on Wednesday said that there was no communication gap on the rotation and switching of roles of the players in the tea
Pakistan Captain Babar Azam clarified on Wednesday that there was no communication gap regarding the rotation and switching of roles among players in the team.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Babar Azam stated that the team management was in search of the optimal combination for the first four positions in the team ahead of the ICC mega event next month. He emphasized that the players were fully briefed and involved in the decision-making process.
The Green Shirts are set to take on the Black Caps in the fourth T20I of the five-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Babar Azam outrightly dismissed media speculation suggesting that some players were discontented with the switching of batting positions during the New Zealand series. He affirmed his steadfastness in making decisions that he believed were in the team’s best interest, expressing his indifference towards criticism. Regarding the loss against New Zealand in the last T20I, he downplayed its significance, stating it didn’t cause much concern.
Babar Azam emphasized the unity within the team, asserting that there was no room for misunderstandings. He highlighted that a defeat did not imply any discord among the players.
Babar Azam addressed the loss against the young New Zealand side in the 3rd T20I of the series, stating that it wasn’t solely due to expensive bowling spells by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, but rather a collective effort from the entire team that fell short against the opposition.
“We win and lose as a team, and this isn’t a time for pointing fingers,” Babar remarked. “We have confidence in each other as a team,” he asserted.
Expressing hope for Mohammad Rizwan’s swift recovery from his injury, Babar anticipated his participation in the Ireland tour next month, well ahead of the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup in West Indies and USA. He emphasized Rizwan’s integral role in the team and his remarkable performances.
Wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Irfan Khan Niazi were rested due to hamstring injuries for the remaining two matches of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Addressing the injuries, Babar Azam clarified that the two-week long fitness camp at the military academy Kakul was not the cause of the hamstring injuries to Azam Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Irfan Khan Niazi. He emphasized that injuries are an inherent part of the game and assured that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ensured comprehensive care for all players. Babar Azam reiterated that the fitness regime is maintained throughout the year and the Kakul Camp was not responsible for the injuries.
