Babar Azam Defends The Decision Of Recalling Mohammad Hafeez And Shoaib Malik To The T20 Team

Pakistan endured a torrid year in T20 internationals in 2019, winning only one out of ten T20s they played. To make things worse, the number one team in the format got whitewashed by Sri Lanka at home last year and faced another series defeat to Australia down under. To end their losing streak, they have recalled veteran cricketers in Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik for the T20 series against Bangladesh. And skipper Babar Azam supported the decision by claiming that the vast experience of the duo would be crucial to their team’s chances.

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Before the tenure of Misbah Ul Haq as the coach and selector of the Pakistan team, they had won 30 out of their last 37 T20Is. However, under the former captain, Pakistan haven’t won even one of them. The coach cum selector’s constant revamping of the squad haven’t let the players settle in the team. Since the series against Sri Lanka till date, Misbah has named three different outfits to take on their opponents.

But Babar Azam believes that his side will need the two experienced campaigners since they were part of the number one team last year. The number one T20 batsman is confident that Hafeez and Malik would help his outfit and he can rely on them for captaincy advises as well.

“I felt that we needed these two (Malik, Hafeez) seniors. They were part of the number one team last year. I gave my opinion to the selectors and they heard me. Their presence will help me and the team. I will learn from them on captaincy as well.” Babar stated as quoted by News Indian Express.

Babar not taking Bangladesh lightly:

Despite the massive gulf in their rankings, the 25-year old isn’t taking their opponents lightly. Babar conceded that Bangladesh possess a good blend of seniors and youngsters and that the experience in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League would serve them well in the forthcoming three-match series.

“Bangladesh have a good combination of youngsters and seniors and it will be a good competitive series. Their players have the advantage of having come here fresh out of the BPL (Bangladesh Premier League).” he stated further.

Bangladesh are touring Pakistan for the first time in twelve years. The last time these two sides met in Pakistan, the hosts scored a massive win over the Tigers. Post the three-match T20 series, the sub-continent rivals will square off in two Test matches and an ODI as well.

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