Pakistan’s top-order batter Fakhar Zaman says there is clear pressure on the team to end their ICC trophy drought at next year’s 50-overs World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, Fakhar confirmed that the squad has held detailed discussions about breaking their run without a major ICC title since 2017.
“There is pressure on us as a team to deliver an ICC trophy, and we have had extensive discussions about ending the country’s wait for a major international trophy,” Fakhar told news agency PTI on Saturday.
Pakistan last reached an ICC final at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, where they lost to England in Melbourne. The team’s inability to convert strong performances into silverware has been a source of disappointment for fans. Fakhar acknowledged this, saying, “It is natural (that) people are disappointed about Pakistan not being able to win an ICC title for long, and we also know that when we do well, we are showered with love and admiration.”
He added that the emotional response from supporters fluctuates depending on the team’s results. “When you perform well, people show you more love. When you do not perform well, naturally, they are disappointed. Whether senior or junior, every player tries to perform to the best of their ability and improve in their profession.”
Fakhar drew a distinction between reaching the latter stages of a tournament and actually lifting a trophy. “The happiness you experience as a nation after winning a trophy is different from reaching semi-finals or finals,” he said, underlining the hunger within the squad.
The upcoming tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka will be an important stepping stone in Pakistan’s build-up to the World Cup. Fakhar described it as an opportunity to “start building a perfect combination for the World Cup from now.”
He said the fact that most players have already played domestic cricket this season would help. “When you play 50-overs cricket after First-Class, it is much easier to adapt, but going from T20 to ODIs is never easy. It is encouraging that all the players have come through the season and are in very good touch.”
Fakhar also addressed recent concerns following Pakistan’s 0-3 Test series defeat against England. He pointed out that the formats demand different approaches. “We have discussed our plans extensively, although there are certain things we cannot discuss on camera. There have been plenty of discussions, but red-ball and white-ball cricket are very different,” he said.
Changes within the team have given the players optimism as they prepare for the World Cup. “There have also been significant changes in the team, so we are hopeful and excited. With the way our preparations are progressing, the World Cup is also in the back of our minds,” Fakhar added.
He concluded by stressing the seriousness with which the squad is approaching the tournament. “We are taking it very seriously. We will do our best, and we hope Allah helps us bring the World Cup trophy back to Pakistan.”
According to Yahoo Sports.
