ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 'We've 3-4 players from 2017 CT-winning team, but...' - Babar Azam's strong statement
Published - 19 Feb 2025, 06:10 PM | Updated - 19 Feb 2025, 11:34 PM
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Babar Azam is eager to lead Pakistan’s batting line-up in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Babar Azam said that it is a fresh start for the defending champions Pakistan, as there are only a few players from the 2017 title-winning team who are taking part in this edition.
However, Babar is confident that Pakistan’s belief, execution, and hunger for success remain the same, and they are ready to defend their ICC Champions Trophy title on home soil. Notably, the Men in Green are currently facing New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener in Karachi.
Babar Azam ready to lead Pakistan's title defense in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Babar Azam was quoted as saying by ICC, “As a player, I am very excited, and all the fans are excited. A lot has changed since the Champions Trophy was held in 2017. We have new players coming, we only have three or four players who were part of that winning team. But the belief, confidence, and execution are the same.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan national cricket team entered the tournament after a challenging period, including the changes in the coaching staff and disappointing early exits in the last two ICC tournaments, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
They had also suffered a shocking loss to the USA in the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite these setbacks, Babar insisted that past struggles will not be an excuse, and due to this, there is absolutely no pressure.
There is no pressure of anything: Babar Azam
The former captain said that the Men in Green analyzed their mistakes, worked on improvements, and are fully focused on delivering strong performances to retain the trophy.
Babar added, “There is no pressure of anything. What has happened in the past is beyond us. We have discussed mistakes we have made, and we have worked on them. When you have responsibility as a senior player in any team and the team relies on you and has belief in you, then I take it in a positive way.”
Well, Pakistan have the valuable advantage of playing at home, and they are looking to capitalize on familiar conditions. Notably, the hosts are facing New Zealand in Karachi, and then they will travel to Dubai for the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India on February 23.
Babar Azam says Pakistan will not take any team lightly
Pakistan’s final group match is against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27. However, Babar admitted that Pakistan have the home advantage, but they will have to perform at their best to win matches in the tournament.
The star batter also noted that hosting the ICC event for the first time since the 1996 World Cup is a proud moment for the team and country.
Azam signed off by saying, “When you play at home you get that edge as you know the conditions. You have a knowledge of how the pitch will behave, both in the first and second innings, but still you have to play good cricket because all other teams are among the best. It means a lot to be hosting the competition.”
