Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball team, recently shared insights into the team’s game plan for the upcoming series against Ireland. He also shed light on his rapport with the newly appointed white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten.
In a press conference before their departure for the series, Babar Azam highlighted the challenge of time constraints due to the T20 World Cup 2024, set to occur in the USA and West Indies next month. He emphasized the limited window for experimentation and rotation within the team.
“We have less time for experimentation now because the World Cup is just around the corner. In the remaining matches, our focus is on giving the selected squad for the World Cup ample opportunities to gel and perform. We are finalizing our bowling and batting combinations, and we’ll be fielding our strongest XI in the upcoming games,” Babar stated.
Regarding Kirsten’s involvement, Azam expressed optimism despite the coach not being physically present yet. He highlighted Kirsten’s active engagement in team discussions and planning, even from a distance.
“Gary Kirsten has been actively involved in our preparations. Although he’s not with us physically, he’s fully invested in our plans. He communicates regularly with us, receives updates on our progress, and shares his insights and strategies. While we eagerly await his physical presence, his experience and guidance are invaluable to us,” Azam remarked.
Addressing the looming encounter against India in the T20 World Cup, Azam revealed that while the team plans meticulously for all oppositions, they don’t specifically target individual players like Virat Kohli. Instead, they focus on developing strategies against the entire opposition team.
“As a team, we prepare comprehensive strategies against all teams, considering their strengths and weaknesses. While players like Virat Kohli are exceptional talents, our plans revolve around countering the entire opposition team. We adapt our strategies according to the conditions and the opponents we face,” Babar explained.
The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for their tour of Ireland and England soon, with a squad comprising seasoned players like Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi alongside emerging talents like Azam Khan and Naseem Shah. This tour will serve as crucial preparation ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup.
In summary, Babar Azam’s insights offer a glimpse into Pakistan’s focused approach as they gear up for the upcoming challenges, both in the series against Ireland and the impending T20 World Cup. With time ticking away, the team aims to fine-tune their strategies and unite as a formidable force on the international stage.
