The best XI for Pakistan at the 2023 World Cup will likely look something like this, according to the Pakistani captain.
Babar Azam, a two-time winner of the ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year award, has accomplished nearly everything in 50-over cricket over the past 24 months, but there is one more honor the inspirational captain is lacking and desperately wants to win: leading Pakistan to the ICC Cricket World Cup championship in India later this year.
The Pakistani captain has held the No. 1 spot in the ODI Player Rankings since July 2021 and has been duly recognized as the ODI Player of the Year for the past two years.
“ICC prizes are significant. The fact that Pakistan is mentioned is important. When you work hard and succeed, it boosts your confidence greatly. I give Allah praise for it. Behind that were the prayers of my parents. I’m pleased to have received these rewards”, Babar said to ICC Digital.
Babar recently discussed his goal to be able to replicate the great Imran Khan and lead his country to World Cup triumph for the second time in an interview with ICC Digital Insider Zainab Abbas.
The goal, according to him, is to make the World Cup team and win the competition.
“The World Cup is quickly approaching, and my goal is to do well so that we can win.”
Babar’s team have a number of 50-over matches planned up over the next months that will help them prepare for the World Cup that is scheduled to take place in India later this year, whereas Pakistan only played a total of nine ODI matches in 2022, losing just once against Australia at home.
Prior to the World Cup, Pakistan will be concentrating on a five-game series against New Zealand at home in late April and early May, as well as a three-game trip of Afghanistan and the 2023 Asia Cup.
Babar is aware that a lot of cricket will be played before the World Cup that will affect the composition of his team, even though he has a solid understanding of who Pakistan’s best XI would be during the event.
“Because of the World Cup, there has been a lot of white ball cricket this year”, according to Babar.
“You can’t actually leap to your destination. You must accomplish it gradually.”
“MY GOAL IS TO WIN THE WORLD CUP FOR MY COUNTRY”, stated Babar Azam.
