WORCESTER: Pakistan limited-overs captain Babar Azam said the team’s dwindling T20I record in recent times was due to experimentation with their combinations, hoping the experience will benefit them in T20 World Cup.
Babar insisted they have identified the right mix of players for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Australia this year, depending on the global pandemic situation.
“Yes, we did lose a few matches and our ranking has unfortunately gone down,” he told reporters while preparing for their series in England,” he told reporters while preparing for their series in England.
“What happened is that we did some experimentation and tried out several players. We are now sure about the combination, which includes both youth and experience. I’m confident that we will do well in the T20 series against England and improve our ranking,” he said.
Babar led Pakistan in five T20Is so far, winning two and losing two, and is confident will perform well if the World Cup is held on schedule.
“As a professional cricketer I hope that the T20 World Cup is held according to schedule,” he said. “As Pakistan’s captain I would really want that the World Cup is not delayed as it will be my first World Cup as skipper. But it’s up to the authorities to decide.”
Babar hopes to learn from the experience of stalwarts such as Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Waqar Younis and Mushtaq Ahmed in the team management.
He stressed that a player thrives under a coach who backs him and reserved special praise for Mickey Arthur, saying that the former coach supported him as a newcomer and trusted in his abilities. “I must add that Misbah bhai is no different. He really backs me and has confidence in me. It really helps when your coach trusts you,” he added.
Pakistan are in England for a tour that includes Tests and T20Is. Babar said the lack of playing cricket makes a difference but they have one extra month to prepare for the series.
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