Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam insists that there will be no pressure on the home side as the ICC Champions Trophy kicks off in Karachi on Wednesday. With the tournament returning to Pakistan for the first time in decades, Babar believes that familiar conditions will provide his team with an advantage.
“There is no pressure of anything,” Babar told the ICC website on the eve of the eight-nation event. “What has happened in the past is beyond us. We have discussed mistakes we made and worked on them. So we will try not to repeat them.”
Babar Azam’s Crucial Role
Pakistan will be looking to improve on their recent tournament records, having suffered group-stage exits in the last two ODI World Cups and the 2023 T20 World Cup. Babar’s form will be pivotal in leading Pakistan towards a stronger campaign this time around.
Pakistan’s opening clash against New Zealand promises an intense battle, featuring two of the world’s finest batters—Babar Azam and Kane Williamson. The tournament also includes Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli, but Babar stands out as the world’s top-ranked ODI batter heading into the event.
“When you have responsibility as a senior player and the team believes in you, I take it positively,” the 30-year-old said. “I try to give my best in every match and perform so that Pakistan wins. I enjoy my cricket.”
Home Advantage – A Key Factor
Babar is optimistic that playing at home will give Pakistan a much-needed edge. With matches being held across three Pakistani cities, including his hometown Lahore, he believes local knowledge will be instrumental.
“When you play at home, you get that edge as you know the conditions,” he explained. “You have an understanding of how the pitch will behave, but you still have to play good cricket because all other teams are among the best.”
Babar was just 22 when he played a key role in Pakistan’s historic 2017 Champions Trophy triumph. Now, nearly eight years later, he is one of the world’s finest batters across all formats and is determined to lead his team to another title.
A Nation United Behind Cricket
Excitement is at an all-time high as Pakistan hosts its first ICC event in decades. For Babar, this is an opportunity to create new memories in front of passionate home fans.
“I am very excited,” he said. “An ICC tournament in Pakistan after such a long time is a huge occasion. The fans are excited, and as players, we feel that energy.”
Beyond the cricket, Babar highlighted the unifying power of the sport in Pakistan. “The hospitality here is great, and people love cricket. Cricket brings everyone together. The whole of Pakistan is praying for our success. Everyone is united in that.”
As Pakistan prepares to begin its campaign, the hopes of an entire nation rest on the shoulders of Babar Azam and his team. With home advantage and a determined mindset, the Men in Green will be aiming to make history once again.
