Babar Azam Urges Calm Ahead of High-Stakes India Match in T20 World Cup

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has called on his teammates to remain calm and focused as they prepare for their highly anticipated T20 World Cup match against India on June 9. The match, set to take place at Eisenhower Park stadium in Nassau County, New York, has generated significant anticipation and pressure.

In a podcast released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Azam acknowledged the unique atmosphere surrounding India-Pakistan fixtures. He emphasized the importance of sticking to the basics and playing 'easy cricket' despite the nerves. 'The whole world is focused on the day when the India-Pakistan match is held,' Azam said. 'Naturally, there will be nerves, but we need to keep our focus, stick to the basics and play easy cricket. It is always a pressure game; the more you keep cool and calm, believe in your skills and hard work, then things get easier.'

Azam also expressed concerns about playing in the United States for the first time as a national side. To prepare, the team has been collecting information from players who have experience playing in the US. Pakistan's first match in the T20 World Cup will be against the United States on June 6.

Reflecting on his role as captain, Azam highlighted the importance of maintaining communication with players and management, controlling emotions, and providing support to his teammates. 'You have to control your emotions and back your players because you have to get the best performance out of them. You always have to support them and give them the confidence that they are the best and can do better,' he said.

Azam's ultimate aim for the World Cup is to lift the ICC trophy and present it to Pakistan. 'Lifting the ICC trophy is a different motivation. You go to a different level and get a lot of praise. So, the motivation, aspiration and dream remains to lift an ICC trophy and present it to Pakistan,' he noted.

Reflecting on Pakistan's past performances in the T20 World Cup, Azam described them as 'good' but acknowledged the team's inability to finish on a high. He specifically mentioned the semi-final loss against Australia in 2021 and the final loss against England in 2022, attributing the defeats to fielding and bowling mistakes.

The captain also recalled the team's most hurtful defeat against Zimbabwe. 'It hurts more because we had played good cricket against India and people were praising our performance and fightback,' he said.

As Pakistan prepares to face India, the team is focused on overcoming past mistakes and performing at their best. With Babar Azam's leadership and advice to stay calm, the team hopes to make a significant impact in the T20 World Cup.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam urges teammates to stay calm and focused for India match.
• Azam emphasizes sticking to basics and playing "easy cricket" despite nerves.
• Pakistan plays its first T20 World Cup match against the US on June 6.
• Azam's ultimate goal is to lift the ICC trophy and present it to Pakistan.
• Pakistan aims to overcome past mistakes and perform at their best in the T20 World Cup.