In the last T20 World Cup held in Australia, Pakistan who were champions in 2009 finished as runners-up having lost to England in the final by 5 wickets.
Although, it was not a plain sailing for Pakistan into this tournament as they went down 0-2 to England in four match T20I series; nevertheless, they are unpredictable and can beat any team on their day led by Babar Azam.
On Thursday ahead of their opener against US at Dallas, the official broadcaster posted a video of captain Babar Azam, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, wicket keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan with pacer Naseem Shah and batter keep Azam Khan also expressing their feelings about the Twenty-20 World Cup and how much they need to do better than what happened previously.
“My preparations are in place,” said Babar Azam. “You know, excitement is always at a higher level when you play in big events like these; this is entirely different and new to us as we have never played there before.”
Shaheen Shah Afridi also says, “This year, the World Cup will be held in America for the first time. It’s new for us too. Some of us have been here before but not all of us together as a team. Let’s hope it works out well for us and we’re really excited that cricket has come over here. A lot of club cricket is played here though this is international cricket itself and I mean look at that – it’s the World Cup! So we’re all very excited.”
As Mohammad Rizwan puts it, “We all know that playing the World Cup is something which makes every individual proud.” “The last time we were second best and to date those memories still haunt me while some of my team mates almost remember exactly where our final was lost.”
“I am so thrilled, believe me. Different nation, different conditions. We were in the final of World Cup 2022 but messed up some things then. It is one thing to play well but it’s different when you grab the trophy.”
Azam Khan wraps it up with an affirmation, “I’m very happy that it is my first world cup and I am playing in America. Never imagined a time when there would be a cricket World Cup in America. But this place is huge and called land of opportunities so I guess every player from any country can make a name for himself here.”
On Sunday Pakistan will play massive match against their arch rivals India in New York.
