Losing eight of its twelve matches in 2019 saw Pakistan move down in the ICC T20I rankings after reigning at the top for 27 months straight. A development which newly-appointed skipper Babar Azam put down to experimentation with the team's combination ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia, greatly uncertain due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Babar expressed confidence that his side will be able to regain its supremacy in the shortest format in the near future. The focus, for the moment, is on relaying a solid foundation in that quest starting with the upcoming three-match bio-secure series in the UK against England.
"Yes, we did lose a few matches and our ranking has unfortunately gone down," Babar told reporters. "What happened is that we did some experimentation and tried out several players. We are now sure about the combination, which includes both youth and experience."
"I’m confident that we will do well in the T20 series against England and improve our ranking. And if the World Cup is held according to schedule, I’m confident that our team will do well in it," he added.
Babar took over from Sarfaraz Ahmed following the 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Sri Lanka in Lahore last October. His first assignment - three-match T20I series in Australia - saw Pakistan go down 2-0, but the team showed good signs in the 2-0 victory at home against Bangladesh earlier this year.
"As a professional cricketer I hope that the T20 World Cup is held according to schedule," he said. "As Pakistan’s captain, I would really want that the World Cup is not delayed as it will be my first World Cup as skipper. But it’s up to the authorities to decide."
Babar, who played most of the early part of his career under coach Mickey Arthur, said it hasn't been difficult adjusting to the ways of Misbah Ul Haq, the team's new head coach and chief selector, as they both provide ample support.
"Mickey really supported me. He gave me confidence. He rated me highly even when I was very much a newcomer. He backed me all the time. The best thing about him was he had great trust in my abilities."
"I must add that Misbah bhai is no different. He really backs me and has confidence in me. It really helps when your coach trusts you."
Need to adhere to quarantine rules after testing negative of Coronavirus, forced Pakistan to send its players early for the tour of the UK, where the team will start off with three difficult Test matches before the T20Is. Babar is hoping to make good use of the early arrival by quickly adapting to those conditions, especially after such a long break.
"When you don’t play cricket for three months it does make a difference. But the good thing is that we have one extra month to prepare ourselves for the Tests," he explained. "I was pleasantly surprised to see each and every boy was fit. That’s a good start."
"The next part is to play and practise as much as we can because the more you practise the better you get. We have lined up a series of training sessions and practice matches so I’m sure by the time the Test series begins we will be ready for it," Babar concluded.
(Inputs from ICC)
