Little time for rotation now, says Babar

LAHORE: Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam on Monday said that their “entire focus” is on the ICC T20 World Cup and they would put in their best in the major event to win the trophy for the nation.

“In the past, too, our motive was to win the World Cup but unfortunately, we could not finish the way we wanted. And this time too we have double confidence and we believe that we will bring the trophy,” Babar told a crowded news conference here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

The team was scheduled to leave from LCCA for Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport at 1:30am on Tuesday for departure for Ireland at 3:39am. Pacer Mohammad Amir’s departure was delayed due to visa issue. The PCB spokesman said that he would soon get his visa and would be sent via the first available flight.

Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali, who are in England, will join the team in Ireland. Pakistan will play three T20I matches against Ireland on May 10, 12 and 14 in Dublin. They will then move to England to play further four matches on May 22, 25, 28 and May 30 before flying for the US to begin their World Cup journey with their opener against the US at Dallas on June 6.

“Effort is in our hands. Our combination is good. We talk only about how to win the games and how to play in the World Cup,” Babar said. “As a skipper I believe in every member of the team and inshaAllah we will put in our hundred percent in the World Cup,” he was quick to add.

Pakistan recently opted for rotation policy to test their bench strength against New Zealand but Babar made it clear that the World Cup is just around the corner and on the Ireland and England tours the best crop, which will be part of the World Cup, will be given proper opportunities.

“There is little time for rotation as World Cup is around the corner and in the matches ahead we will try to give proper opportunities to those players who will onward play in the World Cup. We have almost sorted our batting and bowling combinations and we will go with that. And we will go with our best strength in the coming matches,” Babar clarified.

Asked if head coach Gary Kirsten imposed his decisions relating to batting slots, Babar said it’s not a personal game and they will sit to discuss whatever is best for the team. “We will not look at individuals but we will go with the combination which will be the best for the country. If you are to win the World Cup you are to set aside individual things and you have to keep the team goal first. We have interacted with Kirsten both individually and as a team. He is very keen and experienced. He knows our line-up and is well aware of how we play,” Babar said.

Asked about his plan for Virat Kohli, he said: “As a team you plan against the oppositions, not against just one player but you are to plan for both batting and bowling. “In New York you will get different conditions and how the pitch will behave and we will play accordingly. Yes, Virat is one of the best players and effort will be made to make the best possible plan against him,” Babar said.

Pakistan will face India on June 9 in New York which will be a high-voltage game keeping in view the kind of rivalry between the two nations. About Hasan Ali’s inclusion, Babar said that selectors have also clarified that he has been drafted into the side as a back-up for Haris Rauf.

Asked whether it’s right decision to appoint Gary Kirsten as head coach at a time when the World Cup is just around the corner, Babar said he (Kirsten) is very keen. “Our daily report goes to him and he also shares his planning with us. He has the experience and knows how quickly to gel with the team and players are also professional and they also understand how to gel rapidly as they are used to such changes,” Babar said.

Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali, Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan