ICC World Cup 2023: Mohammad Hafeez Shows Confidence On Babar Azam Ahead Of ODI WC, Says 'It Is Not Fair To Just Blame Him'

Former Pakistan skipper, Mohammad Hafeez showed support for Babar Azam after the Men in Green’s exit from the Asia Cup 2023 after they lost in the must-win match against Sri Lanka. Hafeez said that it is not fair to blame Babar Azam for Pakistan’s exit from the Asia Cup 2023.

While speaking in a press conference, the former Pakistani player claimed that it is not fair to blame the 28-year-old skipper for the Men in Green’s exit from the Asia Cup 2023. Hafeez added that Babar Azam does not get any credit alone when the team reaches the final so why blame the skipper in a difficult time?

Mohammad Hafeez said that the players have been playing under for several years, and if they rectify a few mistakes then they would manage to become the top four favorites in the forthcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India. The former Pakistani player also stated that cricket is a team game and one should not be blamed for the exit.

“It is not fair to just blame him for not reaching the Asia Cup final. We are not willing to give credit alone to the captain for reaching a final, so why blame him alone for not reaching the Asia Cup final? Cricket is a team game. These bunch of players have been playing together for a while now under Babar, so if we take care of some weak areas, Pakistan remains among the top four favourites in the World Cup,” Mohammad Hafeez said.

The problem is many of our players have limited exposure to playing in Indian conditions: Mohammad Hafeez on Babar Azam-led Pakistan

Hafeez spoke on the challenges Pakistan will face during their trip to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 and said that it is tough for the Men in Green to perform in India during a mega event since they limited exposure to the Indian conditions.

“The problem is many of our players have limited exposure to playing in Indian conditions. It is a big challenge for any Pakistani player to perform in India during a mega event, but hopefully, we can count on our players to rise to the occasion. We shouldn’t let the disappointment of the Asia Cup deter our optimism or support for the team,” Hafeez added.

Babar Azam-led Pakistan will start the ODI World Cup 2023 journey against the Netherlands on October 6th at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.