Top four is a small goal; want to come out as winners: Babar Azam

In the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka and India in the Super Four stage, which crashed their hopes of qualifying for the final. It was a minor shock to their ambitions ahead of the upcoming mega ICC World Cup 2023 in India, but that certainly hasn’t deterred their skipper.

Pakistan, who were the top-ranked side a few days ago, missed out on a semi-final spot at the last ODI World Cup despite a commendable performance in patches, but this time, Babar Azam is confident that they can win the whole thing.

"The top four is a small goal for us. Babar said at the pre-departure press conference in Lahore as Pakistan left for Hyderabad on Tuesday. “We want to come out as winners. We did not have enough time to put together a camp before the World Cup because we had been playing for too long continuously. Instead, we gave the players a break so they could come back refreshed and with the hunger to win. You play well when you have that hunger.

"Before the last two games in the Asia Cup, we were doing really well with the same team. Although we could not deliver the way we could, we have learned from our mistakes, as individuals and as a team. We have discussed all our mistakes as a team with the support staff and put it behind us. Asia Cup was a different tournament, the World Cup is entirely different."

Pakistan have suffered multiple injury issues in the last month, with Naseem Shah already being ruled out of the World Cup. There are still concerns around Haris Rauf’s availability, whereas Shadab Khan’s lack of form is not helping the cause. Even the visa problem played a role in Pakistan canceling their camp in Dubai, but Babar stated that they’re trying to keep the outside noise at bay to fully focus on their performance.

"We try our best to block out the noise and play with our 100% attention," Babar said. "I try to make sure that the noise does not get to the team, and I handle all issues I can outside the dressing room. 

“The visas are now here, so we are good to go. As far as the contracts are concerned, they are still being negotiated, but we are hopeful we will get a good outcome as I believe the PCB always has our interests at heart.

"There is no ill will in the dressing room. There are discussions after every loss, but they get twisted into something else entirely. The entire team is like a family, and there is love and respect there."