Babar Azam responds to hype around India vs Pakistan in ICC World Cup 2023: 'Plan is to play…'

livemint.com:

ICC World Cup 2023 and how they plan to win the tournament. When a reporter claimed that 'Pakistan cricket is being degraded,' Babar Azam was quick to respond. "I've been hearing a lot.

We are going to play in the World Cup, not to play against India. Barring India, there are other different teams whom we have to play against. If we can beat them, we will play in the final.

Our focus is not on one team but all 10 of them. Our plan is to play well against all teams, win matches and then secure a ticket for the final," the Pakistani skipper said. Babar Azam also gave a cryptic take on Pakistan demanding change in World Cup venues and said as professionals we have to be ready to play in any conditions and environment.

He affirmed that his aim is to go to every country and perform well for Pakistan. "Our thought is simple. Wherever there is cricket, there are matches… we have to go and play.

As a professional, you have to be ready for everything – play in different conditions and environments. This is what we call a challenge. As a player and captain, my aim is to go to every country and perform well, dominate, and win matches for Pakistan.

So that is what is on our minds and not that we have to play well against one team," Babar Azam added. India vs Pakistan matches are hyped because of the intense rivalry both nations have in terms of politics. Team India has completely dominated Pakistan in the history of the ICC tournament but can't afford to be complacent while recovering from a big WTC Final defeat and questions around the replacement of injured players.