Babar Azam said Pakistan will try to give another setback to India in Dubai.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that he was touched by the way Indian players came up to Shaheen Shah Afridi and extended support to him, as the pacer is nursing a knee injury that ruled him out of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 in the UAE.
Ahead of the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2022 on Sunday (August 28) in Dubai, players from both teams were seen exchanging pleasantries during the training session, and Babar said that it reflected the respect and friendship they enjoy off the field.
Babar Azam said in an official release issued by the PCB: “I was actually touched by the way they met Shaheen Shah Afridi during Thursday's training session and expressed their support to him. The visuals of the players interacting with each other were also heartwarming and reflected the respect and friendship they enjoy. But on the match day, everything will be kept aside and players from either side will come hard at each other in an effort to overpower the other.”
Meanwhile, India has a great record against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, having so far won 7 and lost 2 matches against the Men in Green, but at the moment, both teams are in great form in T20I cricket.
Speaking about the high-octane clash between the two teams, Babar said: “I know there is tremendous excitement in both the countries but for us, it is just another game. Our preparations have been excellent and we will take the field oozing with confidence. Our victory over India 11 months ago at the same venue is a good reference point, but that's all.”
He signed off by saying, “While we will continue to reflect on it positively, Sunday and any other matches down the line will be new fixtures that will be played in new conditions. I have always believed you don't need any additional motivation to play and perform for Pakistan. Representing your country at a global stage itself is a huge honor and pride, and the objective is always to make the country proud.”
(With NDTV Inputs)