Babar asserts that no pressure exists, and he and his fellow Pakistan players are determined in ensuring that they educate themselves from the past faults in the 2023 Champions Trophy. As defending champions, the course of the team in ICC competitions has not been that smooth. Pakistan finished 5th in the ODI World Cup 2023 Points table and were knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2024 during the group stages.
Babar told the ICC, before their opening game against New Zealand on February 19, that the past is away from their control. Pakistan has discussed the mistakes, analyzed them and learned from them in order to get themselves ready to take the field for the World Cup.
“Our only responsibility is to go out and feel no pressure whatsoever,” said Babar.
“Whatever happened is in the past. We understand what mistakes we did and have worked on them. We will make sure that we don’t repeat any of them this time around.”
Babar was part of the Pakistan squad that won the Champions Trophy and defeated India the last time. This time, the responsibility was heavier because of the senior status he now held in the team. As a senior, he said he is looking forward to the challenge to lead Pakistan to victory.
“I take it as a positive thing when one has to take responsibility as a senior player in the team, and when the team relies and believes in you. My only objective remains to play for my team,” Babar stated.
“I just try to do my best for each match. I try to make my team win so that I myself enjoy cricket.”
According to Babar,Pakistan should have the advantage of playing in their hometown but also stated that they must be at their competitive best if victory is to be achieved.
“You get that edge while playing the home games as you know the conditions,” he said.
“You have an idea of how the pitch will behave in both the innings, but still you have got to sometimes play good cricket because all other teams are among the best.”
“This means a lot since we are going to host the tournament. The hospitality in Pakistan is amazing, and people love cricket here.”
“This brings everyone together. It unites everyone, and the whole of Pakistan is busy praying for Pakistan to win, so there is no division there.”
Babar will also take on the mantle of the opening batsman for Pakistan for the competition.
