Pakistan selection committee member Aaqib Javed on Sunday said the former captain Babar Azam’s presence would be crucial for the forthcoming T20 World Cup due to the challenging nature of the conditions of the tournament.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Aaqib emphasised the need for Pakistan cricket to evolve with the modern game stating how much cricket has changed over the years. “We are still stuck in the 1990s.”
“Cricket as it is now has changed so much over the last few years and we need to be flexible in the way we approach and play the game.
Despite admitting the change in the dynamic of the game, Aaqib said the role of Babar is still of importance especially in challenging environments. “In the hard situations, it is important to have Babar Azam,” he said.
“The team needs to have a player that can play in all conditions.”
It is important to note here that Babar Azam was one of the two slowest batters in BBL 15.
Aaqib has said that the players that are selected to play, for the World Cup are selected due to the conditions of stadium and pitch in the upcoming matches.
“We have to look at conditions that we are playing in,” he said. “We form combinations when we evaluate those situations.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Agha emphasised the need to give good performances at the global event.
Reflecting on the past recent past tournaments, he admitted “Our performances in the last three tournaments were not good.” The World Cup is always an event that is challenging. We cannot afford to relax.”
Agha asserted that the squad was motivated, and ready. “We are excited and prepared for the World Cup,” he said, adding that matches in Sri Lankan conditions were usually not high scoring.
Also read: Babar Azam’s poor form continues in BBL
