In his first assignment as Pakistan T20I captain, Babar Azam wanted to have senior players such as Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik at his disposal. However, the PCB officials reportedly shot down the suggestion.

As per a report published in PTI, chief selector Misbah Ul Haq had discussed the selection of players with Babar and both were on the same page regarding the selection of Hafeez and Malik.

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But some top officials in the Pakistan Cricket Board advised them not to pick the veterans, raising question as how much authority was enjoyed by the head coach and the skipper.

Asked if he was consulted for team selection, Babar said, "I had given my input for selection of the squad. I felt I required some seniors but it is decision of selectors."

Before departing for the Australia tour, Babar addressed the press conference and said he is confident of handling the captaincy pressure with the support of his teammates.

"I have belief in myself and my batting. Captaincy is a new responsibility and I will try to take everyone along and form a combination. It is clear that If players support you the team does well. So I want everyone to perform. I I will try to keep the environment of the dressing room healthy and positive. We must enjoy playing for Pakistan and not take pressure," he said.

Babar reminded that he had led Pakistan in the Under-19 World Cup and has played in Australia before so he was aware of the conditions and pitches.

"It is a big challenge playing in Australia and beating them. The idea is to play fearless cricket and give them a good fight. Play aggressive cricket like they do.”

(With PTI inputs)