T20 World Cup 2022: “I have told captain…” Ramiz Raja reveals his chat with Babar Azam ahead of India-Pakistan clash

India and Pakistan are due to face each other at MCG on October 23.

By Salman Anjum - 23 Oct, 2022

Pakistan are all set to kick-off their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign with a high-octane clash against India at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday (October 23).

This will be the 13th time Pakistan will face their traditional rivals in a World Cup match. While the Men in Green have suffered 12 defeats, their only victory came during the last year’s T20 World Cup in Dubai.

Ahead of the marquee clash, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja spoke with Babar Azam and revealed his last-minute conversation with the skipper.

“I have told captain Babar Azam to only dream about winning T20 World Cup. I have asked Babar Azam there should be kept no other option in mind other than bringing the trophy of T20 World Cup back home,” Ramiz said in a conversation with Geo.TV.

"World Cup is a mind game. It is a task of not losing courage and a fulfilment of a dream — which is to win a World Cup," he added.

“The other team can also play well some day or the weather might play a role [in the match]. But fans must support the team, as it is the best to have been sent to [play] the field.”

Ramiz also shared some tips with Babar on how to tackle Australian conditions. Notably, the PCB chief was part of the Pakistan side that won the ODI World Cup on Australian soil in 1992.

"In Pakistan, players get the time to play shots, but that's not the case in Australia," he said.

During the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE, Pakistan were the most dominant team in the Super 12 round. The Babar Azam-led side had defeated India, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia to qualify for the semi-final, where they were eventually halted by eventual champions Australia.

By Salman Anjum - 23 Oct, 2022

TAGS