Pakistan’s Babar Azam believes that he is giving his best as the captain of the national side.
During a press conference in Karachi, ahead of Pakistan team’s tour of Sri Lanka, Azam was asked about whether he will step down as captain if the Men in Green are unable to do well in the near future.
"Pakistan didn't win Test matches last year because we didn't play good Test cricket. I am giving my best as a captain,” said Babar.
“The question about changing me as captain can be better answered by the PCB,” he added.
The right-hander also confirmed that Sarfaraz Ahmed will be the first choice as wicketkeeper for the series.
"Sarfaraz will be obviously the first choice in Sri Lanka, but we will see there how conditions and situation would be there," he said.
He also shed light on Pakistan's approach against the spinners during the Sri Lanka tour.
"Pakistan has always dominated spinners even in Asian conditions. The batters of Pakistan are not afraid of spinners. You will see different approach of Pakistani batters against spinners on Sri Lanka tour," he said.
Azam also spoke about Pakistan's participation in this year's ICC Cricket World Cup in India.
"We will be going to play the World Cup, not just India. There are nine other teams as well. We are not focusing on only one team. We will reach final only if we beat them. Our job is to play cricket, wherever the matches are being played," he said.
The first Test of the series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on July 16 and the two teams will then travel to Colombo for the second Test at the Singhalese Sports Club from July 24 till 28.
Pakistan last toured Sri Lanka July 2022 and that two-match Test series ended in a 1-1 draw. Pakistan scaled the target of 342 to register the best run chase at the cricket ground and win the first Test by four wickets. However, the hosts bounced back in the second Test to level the series with a 246-run win.
Itinerary of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka:
9 July – Pakistan land in Colombo
11 and 12 July – Warm-up game
16-20 July – First Test at Galle International Cricket Stadium
24-28 July – Second Test at Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Pakistan squad
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood
Player support personnel
Rehan-ul-Haq (team manager), Grant Bradburn (head coach), Andrew Puttick (batting coach), Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Aftab Khan (fielding coach), Abdul Rehman (assistant coach), Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital content manager), Lt Col Usman Anwari (Retd) (security manager), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).
- Babar Azam