Babar Azam, the rising star of cricket and Pakistan’s captain in all the three formats of the game recently revealed that there is no threat to his captaincy even if his side lose against New Zealand.
The Pakistan cricket team will travel to New Zealand in December 2020 and January 2021 to play two Test and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. The Test series will form part of the inaugural 2019–21 ICC World Test Championship.
On November 10, after Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the ODI and T20I series under the leadership of Babar Azam, the Pakistan Cricket Board awarded him with the new responsibility of Test captaincy. The young and very talented 26-year-old is now a captain of Pakistan Cricket team in all the three formats of the game. Babar Azam replaced Azhar Ali as the Test skipper.
“We are continuously playing cricket. We have gained a lot of confidence from our victories and that is why we are hopeful for a good showing against New Zealand. You are always under pressure in international cricket. When I was announced as the white-ball captain, there was pressure. Challenges come your way and you accept them,” said Babar Azam.
“I have learned a lot through white-ball cricket and players such as Sarfaraz Ahmed and Azhar Ali. The team relies on me and I try to take responsibility when our side is batting. The real joy of cricket is playing under pressure. I enjoy playing cricket. I am not threatened that I will be removed if we lose against New Zealand. I have been given complete confidence from management and a free hand in decision-making,” he added.
There Are No Groupings in Team: Babar Azam
Speaking on Pakistan team, he said that there are no groupings in the team. Everyone respects and supports each other. Babar has also thanked former head coach Mickey Arthur for his backing.
“There are no problems with regards to grouping in the team. Everyone supports and respects each other. The team is filled with youngsters and there are no problems with grouping whatsoever. Everyone sits together and supports their teammates. There are no groups; the entire team is one group,” he said.
“All players can’t perform in every match. The ones who are not performing need to be backed. When I was not performing well in Test cricket, Mickey Arthur backed and supported me a lot. This greatly benefitted me. I have continued to improve from thereon. I will try for big innings in New Zealand as well. We will all try our best and the result is in God’s hands,” he added.
The 3-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand begins on December 18 and will be followed by two Test matches, from January 7.
