LAHORE: Pakistan captain Babar Azam often finds himself repeating familiar sentiments during press conferences, likely because he faces the same inquiries repeatedly. Prior to Pakistan’s journey to Ireland and the UK, their final stop before the T20 World Cup in the US and the Caribbean, Babar addressed the media, fielding routine questions about Pakistan’s prospects, squad choices, and the team’s top order.
Acknowledging the recurrent queries, Babar reiterated his team’s determination to clinch the trophy, expressing unwavering confidence in his players. Despite the familiarity of the discourse, he emphasized his belief in the team’s abilities and pledged to give their all at the upcoming World Cup.
During the conference, discussions gravitated towards the contrasting fates of two players named Haris within the Pakistani lineup. Haris Rauf, after enduring criticism and setbacks due to injury and contract issues, has regained his place in the squad with improved fitness and determination. In contrast, Mohammad Haris, despite his past contributions, finds himself sidelined, with limited opportunities following his standout performance in the previous T20 World Cup.
Babar, who shares the field with Haris for Peshawar Zalmi, acknowledged the challenges faced by Mohammad Haris, highlighting the tough competition within the team’s top order. Despite recognizing Haris’s potential, Babar explained the team’s decision-making process, prioritizing the collective balance of the squad.
The selection of Hasan Ali and the omission of Zaman Khan stirred debate within the cricketing community, underscoring the intricacies of squad selection and the scrutiny it invites, even for seasoned players like Hasan and those experiencing a dip in form like Zaman.
